Less Than Seven, a three-man band from Texas, identifies their music as "goatee folk," a genre that sounds much like every other indie acoustic rock band out there. That being said, as representative of the sound, Spin is a nice debut. It is a pleasant combination of thought-provoking lyrics, acoustic rock, and tight harmonies.
The band consists of Michael Hagedorn on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Ted Gardner on acoustic and electric guitars, and Chris Windham on bass. Adding some fine percussion and drum work is Jeremy Ruckstaetter. The cd includes six songs, all written by the three band members. "Shadow Lands" speaks to that longing for God to find us even in our doubt. "Schemers and Dreamers" questions our dependence on the writings and experiences of others while our own lives slip by. And "This Road" is a meditation on the certainty that, even though we do not know where our lives will lead us, God's guiding hand will bring us home.
Throughout most of the songs Hagedorn's and Gardner's guitars give a light, acoustic feel to the project. "In The Meantime" and "This Road" lean more heavily on an electric sound, but still have plenty of acoustic sense to them. Ruckstaetter's percussion work is especially welcome and the band would do well to add him as a permanent member.
Less Than Seven has hit the mark if their intent is to follow in the footsteps of the many popular acoustic rock bands already in the ccm marketplace. With the addition of some other instruments to broaden their sound, this band has a lot of potential, however, and could bring us some great music in the next few years.
3 tocks
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