Search - Shed Seven :: Change Giver

One of the founders of mid-90's Britpop

Wickerlove | Canada | 04/16/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Before mid 90's Britpop was exported to the world, it was basically 2 bands leading the charge in the UK: Shed Seven and Oasis. Shed Seven were humbly content in the confines of their own country, while Oasis proceeded to dominate the world (and lock horns with Blur) opening the doors for similar brash guitar-bands like Supergrass, Elastica, and Pulp. As the UK press upstaged the rivalry between the Gallagher brothers and the common-bloke image of Blur, Oasis' Manchester peers gradually drifted out of the spotlight. Shed Seven is Britpop in every sense of the word, catchy psuedo-blues/pub-rock guitar-hooks with a touch of cockiness, attitude and a knack for melody. Central to Shed Seven's sound is Rick Witter's creamy smooth vocals, falling somewhere in between Midge Ure and Cliff Richard, with a tad of Brett Anderson's cheekiness. At times Witter's vocal style seems to be overly dominating, powerful with an operatic sensibilty, yet acts as a perfect compliment/balance to the flashy riffs and grit. The guitarwork, well, just think Graham Coxon placing his own spin on Suede's debut with a touch of Johnny Marr's ringing jangles...basically the formula for catchy riff-oriented Britpop, covering a range spanning Menswear and Echobelly to The Bluetones and the Super Furry Animals' debut. The Shed's may have a case of The Smiths or The Manic Street Preachers Syndrome, known at home but failing to strike a chord across The Atlantic, yet that doesn't necessarily mean a lack of talent. Shed Seven may have been lost in the mid 90's mini-wave of British bands, but by discovering their CD's, you'll also tip your hat to one of the true originators of Britpop."