Seven (Audio Cassette) [Import]

I've always loved Scottish music, so when I bought this cd I had pretty high expectations. But I can honestly say that Wolfstone met them. This band has an amazing ability to mix Celtic tunes with rock. Whether you're looking for bass and drums, or fiddle and pipes, this cd has it. The instrumentals on "seven" are exquisitely beautiful. Many of them have a moving somberness about them, but then the band kicks back with songs like "Psycho Woman" and "Maggie's". My particular favorite, however, is the intro to "Brave Boys". It is lovely and powerful music at its height. As for the lyrics, they may not appeal to all because they are somewhat vague, but you'll get it if you listen to the cd enough. For those who are more familiar with the deep voice of Wolfstone's previous singer-Ivan Drever-the vocals might take some getting use to. However, Stuart Eaglesham has one of the most beautiful and unique voices I have heard in a long time. He captures in his voice much of the Scottish youth. In addition, the lyrics in these songs teach better lessons than most modern music("Black Dog"'s anti-drug message, for instance). The cd ends with an instrumental, overlapped by the band's recital of a poem in their melodic Scottish accents. This album is truly a delight.

Do you think it's a good idea to buy a CD based on one song you heard somewhere else? That's what I did, and I'm glad. Wolfstone is a great band! Their music satisfies both my love of Scottish/Celtic music and my obligatory teenage attraction to rock music. This is not "pipes n' drums." This is "pipes n' drums n' electric guitar." So help me, I love the sound.

With a couple exceptions, "Seven" delivers on every track (in one way or another). The opening piece, "Psycho Woman," kicks off the CD fast and furiously and gets you in the mood to dance your kidneys out. "Brave Boys" is a sweeping, powerful song (a war song, I think) that actually moved me - which is saying a lot. "Jen's Tune" is slower and more melancholy, but delivers. "Black Dog" is bouncy and cheerful - odd for a song about drug addiction, but never mind. "Quinie Fae Ryhnie" is another fast instrumental bit. Duncan Chisholm can fiddle like nobody's business! "John Simmers" is a slow piano solo that differs drastically from the rest of the CD. I was reminded uncomfortably of Enya. Oh, well. "J-Time" utilizes the synthesizer in the same way that Michael Jackson utilizes plastic surgery; it's so cheesy, it's funny. "Wild and the Free" is the CD's low point: bland, flat, and way too long. Stuart Eaglesham is an okay singer...when he's backed up by strong music. I wanted to scream, SING FASTER, YOU MORON! "Crowfeathers" makes up for everything bad on the CD. It's so cool, it's dangerous. Definitely my favortie. "Maggie's" is the third and final fast intrumental piece, and (in my opinion) the best. "Fingal's Cave" makes for a slow and lovely finale; it's kinda long, but a lot easier to sit through than "Wild and the Free."

I am owner of all their albums, but this one and "This strange place" are big disappoinment for me. Without energy, without invention, bored laddies can only bore.