
This 6-song EP oozes with the confidence that these music vets possess. Sure, the short end of it is that the Sevens haven't reached the epic heights of their self-titled release on Island nearly a decade ago, but you don't hear this band struggling for the hit or trying to be something they're not. The beauty of these songs is their relaxed atmosphere and simplistic aesthetic. This is the kind of vibe that you can't really fake. You've either got it (attitude and experience), or you don't. Thankfully, Direct shows us that these middle-aged rockers still have that quoi that eludes the masses of younger, hungrier artists; and part of the reason might be the choice to lay back and slightly revel in these slow and hypnotic grooves. I could hear "Roesbud" in the Almost Famous soundtrack or "Dig My Heels" on a Lost Dogs disc.
Editors' ratings — Doug 3.5/5, Lonny 3/5
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Chris MacIntoshIt is rare for any artist to have more than one release out at any given time, to release three albums together is unheard of. But then again Michael Roe has never been your average artist. For years Mike has been putting out material of the highest caliber whether it be with the Scratch Band, the 77's, the Lost Dogs or solo projects. These three albums confirm something that I have known for…Similar sounding releases
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