Customer Reviews

Day & Nightdriving

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Most folks who will stumble across this CD will either be a fan of 7M3 from back when they first released American Standard or wondering what happened to the band that wrote "Cumbersome" and "Water's Edge." Needless to say, this is an album that is for both of those folks alike.

I'll not lie and pretend to be someone I'm not or pretend to be a casual fan. I've been a fan since their first album, but I've been listening to the buzz about this album, and ever since pre-ordering it and receiving it in the mail the other day, it hasn't left my iPod or iTunes. It's an album that's just honestly that good.

Twelve solid tracks that mostly mimic the varying nature of their sophomore release, Rock Crown, the tracks blended somewhere between rock and acoustic feels. My fan-boy nature aside, this album struck me at first listen. I really didn't know what to think of it. I didn't like the flow from song-to-song, and I had to play it again. And on the second listen, I started to get it. I really saw the sonic landscape and it made perfect sense. This album isn't an album that you'll put in for instant gratification--no, not first listen at all--but this is an album that you'll put on to let grow with you. This is what an album should be and could be if more bands focused on their arts--strong collections of songs that you don't want to skip over when you come to them because they don't make sense to listen to in any other order; strong collections of songs that tell stories.

From the first single, "Last Kiss," calling out for remembering love gone by, with other rockers like fan-favorite "Was A Ghost," the rock on this album shines. Distorted guitars rip through, and the lyrics are sparkling above in every sense of form. Softer acoustic tracks like "Things I Stole" and "Hammer & a Stone" throw up the mix and help provide calmer elements to the album. The longing calming nature also is helped out by two songs that border along country sounds, "Upside Down" and "Dreaming Against Me." And long time live show favorites like "Break The Spell," "Strangely at Home Here," and "Dead Days in the Kitchen" receive sparkling live treatments here, shining through with beautifully imagined studio recordings. This album is a treat once you break through the first listen.

This album has been anticipated by fans and casual listeners for about half a year, and all across the country on Sirius radio and other outlets, the vibe behind this album has been very positive. I've been hearing radio reviews where the DJs have been surprised even at the songs. Some of the best songs of their career, this is not an album to pass up. If you even barely liked "Cumbersome" and "Water's Edge" and wondered what happened to those guys, seriously check out this album. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

At some point in their career, a band must face a crossroads that determines the way they will be perceived by all listeners; either they try to maintain their original fan base by continuing along the well-worn path they already established, or they follow their muse wherever it leads. Seven Mary Three appear to be following their muse, and it has led them quite far from the post-grunge appeal of "Cumbersome." It's a necessary move, and it also turns out to be an artistically successful choice as well. "Day and Night Driving" is chock full of genuinely interesting, well-written songs that stick in your head long after the album ends. Frontman Jason Ross has grown considerably as a songwriter, and it will be a shame if radio isn't hip enough to pick up on a band that too many people are already dismissing as past their prime. On the contrary, this is the band's best collection of songs yet, displaying a sense of maturity that suits a bunch of guys who have been recording for over a decade.
Perhaps a few of their older fans would mock the notion of Seven Mary Three maturing, or seeing the words `folk' or `country' applied to their latest work, so instead, I'll credit their newfound affinity with Americana as the element that provides so much warmth to the new songs. "Dreaming Against Me," "Hammer & a Stone" and "Upside Down" are constructed from timeless elements (including a pedal steel guitar!) that are free from flavor-of-the-week posturing. The underlying theme of "Day and Night Driving" is disillusionment in all its guises, but instead of the anxious ranting that most bands utilize, Seven Mary Three aren't afraid to show that they've grown considerably in the past ten years. Many songs revolve around the theme of a restless home life, and the thought that maybe you ought to be careful what you wish for. "Was a Ghost," "Things I Stole" and "Dead Days in the Kitchen" all convey discomfort with the stasis of settling, but also admit that much of the blame lies with the protagonist. A rueful look into the past also haunts many of the songs. "Last Kiss" and "Things I Stole" open and close the album, and both reflect on what could have been, and what might have been done to make things better. One single couplet in "Hammer and a Stone" artfully summarizes all these themes, when Ross sings, "I'm a page torn from your novel, he's a magnet on your fridge." It's a simple use of metaphor that lingers as the melody carries the song on an emotional journey that resonates. "Strangely at Home Here" is another cleverly written snapshot of a drinker's lament, where solace is found in the comfort of a local bar instead of a home recently abandoned by his partner.
Now the only question is whether an audience can be found for a group that is willing to mature beyond the promise of the recordings that made them famous. "Day and Night Driving" is light years from where the band started, but they have finally won me over. Here's hoping that others will make the same discovery. A- Tom Ryan

The only bad thing about this album was the cumbersome search to find it locally. For a band that started out in Virginia, I have been a bit upset at the lack of availability in the area.

The album itself reminds me of their true beginnings on "Churn". Memories are flooding back as I listen over and over...Lake Matoaka (W&M), Crossroads (aka Trax), the Frat Parties at UVa with the band in the mid-90's, etc. Welcome back boys!

This is probably the last album I buy from them. This really isn't bad, but it's not great either. Their last album was very good. Again, this is not a bad album, but I expect more for my money. I might as well listen to it online instead of buying it. A lot of the songs are forgetable. It just doesn't stand out at all like their last two albums.

Over a decade ago Seven Mary Three was one of the best bands around. As with most bands it's tough to follow-up your debut cd with cd's that measure up to the "standard". In this case the "American Standard" which was Seven Mary Three's best cd ever. Songs like "Cumbersome", "Water's Edge", "My My", "Devil Boy", and almost all others on the disc were great.
The aggressive grit in the lead vocals of Jason Ross is what drew most of us in. Their sophmore release "Rock Crown" contained more of the aggressive voice in Ross but musically it lacked. By far the best song on "Rock Crown" (and one of my all-time favorites) is "Lucky".
Slowly but surely the vocal grit went away and I can understand that a lead vocalist just simply cannot sing like that cd after cd and concert after concert without completely destroying his voice. Other cd's have followed but just did not capture my attention like "American Standard". Today we have "Day & Night Driving". Some of the vocal grit is back but not overly. Overlook that and you still have a great cd from 7M3. It's different. It's polished. It's good!!! I've waited a long time for something good to come from 7M3 again. It's not that they ever lacked talent because they are one of the best bands around. I'm glad that they have hung in there and stuck around playing music long enough to put out a new disc.
I think this one is a winner.

As typical with most of 7M3's recordings, the first half of the track list contains the strongest material. I thoroughly enjoy Jason Ross' vocals and when the music blends well with his vocals, 7M3 has a genuine sound with an edge and emotion that is hard to beat. They have frequently started very strong with the opening track and this album is no exception. From there, things stay good for a few tracks, but by the album's end, you will think you are listening to a different band. The dichotomy between the two genres they seem insistent on trying to blend appears to be growing. Many previous releases seemed front-loaded with the A-list material while the latter half is reserved for the more experimental and/or filler tracks. On this recording this takes on a stark contrast where the clean rock sound which is the genre they do so well gives way to a slow, ponderous, tedious, almost country (gag) sound. I wish they would stop trying so hard to show us they are grown ups now and just do what they do well. I'll always be a fan and will continue to root for them - but will always unfortunately expect about half of the tracks to never be played too often after the first few listens. These self-indulgent tracks are a real disappointment and are beneath a band who doesn't have to prove that they have value by forcing more "thoughtful" material. They don't release albums rapidly, but maybe they should take even more time to put the next one out.

Having been a Seven Mary Three fan for many years I am always anxiously awaiting their next release. "Day and Night Driving" did not disappoint. It is by far, by favorite Seven Mary Three album yet and quite possibly my favorite album period. Each songs seems better than the last and when you finish the last song you just can't wait to start the cd over again. I have put this in my car and listened to it for days without changing cd's. "Hammer and a Stone" sounds both soulful and tragic and Jason Ross's voice is absolutely beautiful. "Dreaming Against Me" has a really good beat and hook that you can't get out of your head once you hear it. I feel like dancing every time it plays. "She Wants Results" is simple, but elegant (Can I swim across, this faded atmosphere, I'd say anything, just to keep you here). It breaks my heart each time I hear it. This album may not be as hard hitting as "American Standard" or as diverse as "Orange Avenue", but it does showcase really good songwriting with a voice that you can never grow tired of. I would definitely recommend this album.

For context, my fave 7M3 albums are Rock Crown (by a mile) and American Standard and Economy of Sound. Orange Ave, actually, has become better with age, and maybe I should be trying Dis/Location again, as I wasn't too fond of it two years ago. OK... my take on D&ND is a mixture of Rock Crown and Economy of Sound. The song writing is as heartbreaking as it gets -- just pay attention to Break the Spell or Last Kiss. The songs are imbued with some power pop elements, especially on the first few tracks, but this is a VERY GOOD thing. 7M3 works magic with this album! My first impression, a few months ago, was that it was a tired rehashing of some of their old themes. But, man, I just keep listening to it. Break the Spell, Strangely at Home Here, Last Kiss, Dreaming Against Me, You Think Too Much, Laughing Out Loud, There Was a Ghost, She Wants Results, Upside Down... these just become more and more catchy and addictive with every listen. BUY THIS CD. KEEP this CD. You'll like it, maybe love it now... but you'll love it for sure down the road.

I personally think this is their best yet. I agree with some of the other reviewers, there's nothing wrong with "mature". Keep up the good work!

I've been a fan of 7 Mary 3 since the beginning, and have eagerly awaited each new album. While their last album, "Dis/Location" was a return to a heavier sound, it also ended up being my least favorite of the band's career. While great for in concerts, I didn't enjoy that CD as much as their others.

"Day & Nightdriving" was something entirely different, and from the first track I was instantly hooked on this album. The sound is softer than it's been since probably "Rock Crown," but the songs feel more introspective and very catchy. The best tracks are probably "Last Kiss" and "Hammer & a stone," but every track on the album is a great listen. Some critics of the album call it boring, and if your only experience of the band is "Cumbersome" you won't be getting any of that here. While that's a nice track, it's been overplayed ad nauseum. For an album of tracks that hold up much better after many repeated listening, this is the band's best album.