Customer Reviews

The Factory

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

this band has evolved from the basic bagpipe band to a very polished creative force. connecting the past with the present in a very lyrical and musical format, this band proves that rock and tradition can breathe the same air space. this is a combined musical talent that cannot be ignored by the industry of today's music. there is a true treasure here that should be shared with the masses.

I first saw Seven Nations in concert 5 yrs. ago. They blew me away with their celtic rhythms and driving beat. The five members of the band consist of Kirk Mckleod-guitar, bagpipes and vocals, Struby-bass guitar,Ashton Geoghagan-drums, Dan Stacey- fiddle, and last but not least Scott Long-Highland bagpipes and shuttle pipes.You put all this together and you have one of the toughest bands since U2. If you're looking for something new and different this is it. You might even drink a pint of Guinness and dance a jig or two yourself.

I first saw this band in the summer of 2000 at Irish Fest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin... twice. They blew me away. This is the CD I bought there at the Summerfest grounds, because it had the most songs that I remembered from the performance. They even autographed the inside of the cover for me! I've nearly worn this CD out, and even my parents (hard-core Celtic music fans), like it. I especially enjoy, the Factory Song, the Ballad of Calvin Crozier and Twelve, but everything grows on you. I love their sound. I saw them again at Irish Fest this year, and their live shows never disappoint. Hail to the Milwaukee Irish Fest "Arse-kickers" in the downpour!

Seven Nations is an amazing band, I happened upon their album old ground, Ive loved them ever since. I see them live whenever possible,I highly recomend the same. While the Factory is not the bands best, its still better than any non celtic titles that are out there. All the songs have meanings that just explode,and fill your soul with passion. Even Heroes in Tennis Shoes grows on you. Ok, its not their best, they have Rain and Thunder,old ground,Big Dog,and the 2Road Kills;The Factory is still a blast up the Kilt. So, why five stars if its not their best? Because their best is all the stars in the Sky.

The Factory blends the best of all musical genres. It's pop, it's rock, it's alternative, it's even hip-hop. It's also addictive! Once you begin listening to this disc, you better order another copy because you'll either wear it out or someone will swipe it. It's that good! "Sweet Orphan" and "Twelve" are the most beautiful of ballads and then "The Paddy Set" and "The Factory Song" kick. Whatever your mood, this one will work for you.Buy it now and then tell everyone you know about Seven Nations.

This band is awsome live! I saw them at the SF Scottish games in August 1998 and again in August 1999. The band really knows how to mix rock with thier bagpipes. In the year between the 2 sets I saw them they had a major change in the band changing one pipper for another and gained a fiddler. Though both shows were energitic and fun the material they played in 99 (mostly from the factory) was not as strong as thier material in 98. If you can get I suggest thier CD "Road Kill 2" over this CD. If you can see them live - don't think twice - just do it!

A review of 7-Nation's latest effort is quite difficult considering that they have added new elements and are still evolving. I have been following and listening to Seven Nations since I saw tham as Clan Na Gael in Portland Oregon many moons ago. Unlike their other albums where I liked every single song, on The Factory I definitely have my favorites, and songs that I don't care for. While cuts like Heroes In Tennis Shoes and especially Daze of Grace did absolutley nothing for me, they more than made up with it on the first half of the album with songs like The Factory Song, Calvin Crozier, and Twelve. I miss the hard-hitting Celtic/Rock and totally energetic traditional tunes of their previous albums. But they are a still a serious and talented band, and the album comes highly recommened, just make sure you go see them live for the ultimate experience, and pick up some previous albums while at their show! I guess I am biased because nothing can ever compare to Road-Kill Volume One. Except, maybe, for Road-Kill Volume two!

The first thing that must be remembered is that Seven Nations is a band that MUST be heard live to be fully appreciated. After seeing a live concert by them any recording is going to fall short. With this in mind The Factory is still a great CD. It is such a relief to find a band that can rock, yet knows how to play instuments and write music. In my oppinion The Factory is their best song ever. If that chorus doesn't get stuck in your head you aren't human. The same with Calvin Crozier. This Season, Twelve, and Sweet Orphan are great bittersweet tracks. And the instramental tracks like Soft Gator Girl really show how talented the band is. However tracks like Heros in Tennis Shoes... I think it may be a commentary on America, but who knows? That and Daze of Grace (which kinda grows on you) are the only things that keep this from a 5 star rating. So buy and enjoy.

The CD, "The Factory," premiered at te Grandfather Mountain Highland Games on July, 8, 1999.

.........Produced by Eric Gast and mastered by Emily Lazar, The Factory, features nine new original songs including Twelve, This Season and Factory Song, two new instrumental sets and the "trippiest" version of Amazing Grace ever recorded.


***Florida based Celtic rockers Seven Nations have been a foundational force in Celtic Grove's playlist since the beginning. Originally called Clan Na Gael, the band got started playing a circuit of Irish Pubs and Scottish Highland Games along the Eastern Seaboard in 1994. Seven Nations success as an independant band is nearly unprecendented. As of early 2000, the band had sold more than 100,000 copies of their recordings, a huge amount for an unsigned band. Seven Nations have a very dedicated group of fans who follow them around Grateful Dead style from one festival to the next. The large number of fan sites, clubs and sell-out crowds that have become associated with them over a period of more than 6 years are a testimony to their enduring appeal. Commercial success has not come to Seven Nations at the expense of their art. The band have been asked to play at some very exclusive venues and were the first rock and roll group ever invited to perform at the historic Bannockburn Memorial in Scotland.

First off, I have to agree with everyone that this band is best heard live. They have never produced a studio album that can compare with their live show. If you ever get the chance, go see them! That being said, this cd left me feeling somewhat confused. There is so much on here that could have put them over the top but for some reason it just didn't quite cut it. Listen to the ballad "Sweet Orphan". That song could have been a major hit but the vocals just don't fit the song. Then there is #7, N.O.T. (I Want My People Back). This song seems to be a rather poor attempt at a pop hit song and it fails miserably. The rest of the cd is very good and some of it borders on greatness! Calvin Crozier, Twelve, and Mother Mary are fantastic songs that belong in anyones Celtic library. One of these days this band will put out their magnum opus but this one, while somewhat close, is not it.