Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review




Seven Day Jesus
Live



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 12 tracks
Street Date: September, 2004


Christian rock music suffered a severe blow when Seven Day Jesus decided to call it quits in the late 90's. After an amazing debut album entitled The Hunger in 1996 and a complete one-eighty stylistically with their 1997 self-titled follow-up, it seemed way too premature for the band to go their separate ways when they did. From the ashes of Seven Day arose lead vocalist Brian McSweeney's latest venture, Matthew. Matthew was a departure from the Christian industry that soon seemed to turn into a challenge for McSweeney to distance himself as far as possible from the Christian scene. To the surprise of many, Seven Day Jesus reunited in 2004 at rock band Bleach's final live performance. At that show, the band announced a new live record that was finished but not available at the show due to a shipping error. Shortly after the show, the record was sent out to those who preordered it, with only 100 copies pressed.

So the question immediately rises, if the band broke up in the late 90's, when in the world was this recorded? And to the treat of the Seven Day enthusiasts, this question has two answers. The first six tracks of this untitled Seven Day Jesus live record were recorded in Texas in 1998. Showcasing more of the favorites from their late 1997 release, this set begins, appropriately with their song "Down With The Ship". When the song begins, you get the uneasy feeling that someone had recorded the show with a mini tape recorder hidden in their pocket from somewhere in the back of the venue. But as the music slowly becomes more audible through the screams of the crowd, and the song goes into full swing, we realize the distortion was mostly intended. From here till the end of the first set of tracks, the sound quality is mostly somewhat distant. With an echo overpowering most of the songs and vocals, it gives the recording an undeniably live feel, but sadly a poorly produced one at that. Regardless, it's a fan's dream to hear these songs once again. Following the strong "Flybye" from their debut, we learn that the first set of songs were ironically recorded while the band was opening for Bleach on tour together six years ago. The set ends powerfully with "Ashamed", one of the most memorable songs Seven Day ever put on a record. The song concludes with an extended ending that makes this a real gem for fans.

Most original Seven Day Jesus fans will stand by the fact that the band's debut record, The Hunger, was indisputably their best. So they will undoubtedly adore the latter half of the album, recorded in Florida in 1996, a time when the band first debuted many of these songs. The first song, "A Time To Heal," offers a much more clear and vibrant sound for a more up close and personal live show experience. The clean and sharp mix do these songs the justice they deserve, but they will assuredly make you wish the earlier half of the record sounded this good. After a solid selection of songs including "Strength," "Pavement," and "The Hunger," the album ends with the dark and aggressive "Forgive You." A song inspired by a tragic incident when a friend of McSweeney's had been raped, the live version of "Forgive You" opens with various sound bites from films that add a somewhat disturbing and thought-provoking introduction to the already intense song.

So while this live record from Seven Day Jesus may seem a little late, it's a wonderful stroll down memory lane. Although certainly not the best live record you'll find, this is one a Seven Day Jesus fan will be sorry to miss.

- Review date: 10/16/04, written by John DiBiase




(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: (independent)
. Album length: 12 tracks
. Street Date: September, 2004

    Texas 1998
  1. Down With the Ship
  2. Always Comes Around
  3. Butterfly
  4. My Friend
  5. Flybye
  6. Ashamed
    Florida 1996
  7. A Time To Heal
  8. Strength
  9. Delightful You
  10. The Hunger
  11. Pavement
  12. Forgive You
spacer
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

Search JFH




This Friday, November 8, 2024
ALBUMS
Gabby Barrett Carols and Candlelight [Warner Music Nashville]
CXMMXNS CXMMXNS Chapter 1 - EP [Essential Worship]
New Hope Oahu There Is One - EP [DREAM]
Neal Morse & The Resonance No Hill For A Climber [InsideOut]
TAKE Time Bomb [Resuscitation Records]
Lauren Talley A Lauren Talley Christmas [Horizon]

SINGLES
Cory Asbury I Hope You Dance - Single [BEC]
Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story Approach, My Soul - Single [Getty]
Sam Bowman & GLADDEN Misfit Toys - Single [DREAM]
Wavorly Enemies - Single (independent)

VINYL
Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Vinyl [Rocketown]
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Vinyl [Frontiers]
TAKE Time Bomb Vinyl [Resuscitation Records]

DVD
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Blu-Ray [Frontiers]

Next Friday, November 15, 2024
ALBUMS
Dolly Parton & Family Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables [Owepar Entertainment]
The Lore Family Faith Over Fear [Horizon]
Fernando Ortega For All the Saints - EP (independent)
Earnest Pugh Worth is the Lamb
We Are Messengers Rejoice! (A Celtic Christmas) - EP [Curb]
Paul Wright III Reverie [United Alliance]

SINGLES
Big Dismal Here In My Heart - Single (independent)
Hannah Kerr It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Single [Curb]
Olivia Lane Silent Night - Single [BEC]
Tasha Layton Wake Up It's Christmas - Single [BEC]
Jamie MacDonald A Million Chances - Single [Capitol CMG]
Ronnie Martin On Christmas Morning - Single [Velvet Blue]
Hunter Plake Daylight - Single [BEC]
Jordan St. Cyr Christ is Here - Single [BEC]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Divine Discontent Vinyl [Word]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images