Kevin Seconds
Heaven’s Near Wherever You Are
Cargo
After 21 years of fronting the hardcore band 7 Seconds, most people will probably lock Kevin into that mode, but here, on his second solo album, he breaks out of that pigeonhole. Well-crafted and almost lo-fi pop songs move through the airwaves, and it’s really nice. Some vocal touches that call upon memories of Elliott Smith, and of course, The Beatles. Upbeat and almost sparkling pop tunes about love and loss and wanting. Wanting life. The guitar has an edgy feel to it, like more tightly wound Jonathon Richman, and sometimes the whole thing slides into a riding T. Rex styled groove. The best thing about these songs is the sincerity. It’s not just a passing phase, it’s something that has to be done, and when the punk rock is over, the music will still be coming from the heart.
Cargo Records, 4901-906 Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92117, http://www.cargomusic.com