7th Heaven
Planet Under Seige
Reviewed by Bruce Adolph
Walk into one of the hippest music stores in the country (Apple Music in Portland) and, amid the 350 guitars and literal tons of guitar amp stacks, you're likely to hear some great bass playing from the resident bass guitar slinger/salesman Doug Basler. This mild-mannered virtuoso doesn't just use his talents for showcasing the latest in guitar technology, he's also a youth pastor and the singer/bassist for 7th Heaven, the indie band that is packing clubs throughout the Portland area. From the intro sound effects and the artsy guitar tones, you know from the start this is a quality "indie" album. Doug's vocals are high and clear and the opening cut (and LP's title) "Planet Under Siege" is reminiscent of the 70's band Styx. "Watching and Waiting" is a hook-filled power-pop ballad that could easily have commercial success without losing the rockers. The overall sound is tight, the bass and drums (Brian Lawson) laying the foundations for the band's overall high-energy melody-rock approach. Not for the devout thrashers or hardcore metalheads, but if you're open for good Hard Rock along the lines of Giant or Rush, you'll like 7th Heaven. The lyrics are thoughtful and Dennis Bush's guitar playing is tastefully displayed throughout the album. He's got a great tone and feel.