'Devour', Seven 13, What Matters Records, 2004

This is a five-song EP from a band that describes
itself as 'theatrical rock' (www.seven13band.com).
There is considerable goth influence here, but without as much darkness as some of the bands in the genre.
There is also no metal sound. Amanda Adams's piano is more prominent than Michael Burke's guitar. Gothic cabaret, anyone?
Seven 13's live show seems to predict what Alice Cooper would be like if he came to Broadway (which he probably will, someday). The band even has their own choreographer. It is too bad that there is no video included on this disk.
Like many rock shows on Broadway, however, there are no individual songs that stand out, particularly without seeing how they fit into a show. All are dramatic, but there is no context for the drama. Since the instruments except the piano are pulled back in
the mix, the songs sound somewhat alike.
You may want to wait for a concert DVD of Seven 13.

- Dave Howell

 www.seven13band.com