Music Reviews: Kevin Seconds - "Don't Let Me Lose Ya"

I've been a fan of Reno Nevada's 7 Seconds for more years than I can remember. I always loved the bands sense on unity and staying true to what they believe in. So going into Kevin Seconds new solo album, having not heard any of his past solo material, I wasn't sure what to expect. But I gotta tell ya, in all honesty, the new disc "Don't Let Me Lose Ya" (Asian Man Records) is one hell of a ride. It's NOT a hardcore punk album at all. It's an acoustic style singer/songwriter offering showcasing Kev's guitar playing, smart lyrics and wonderful vocal approach. But just so we're clear, this ISN'T your daddy's folk record, I'll tell ya that much.

The album kicks off with "Forever Try", a song about youth and innocence. Remembering our childhood where we used to "go out and get our hands dirty" while finding a little bit of trouble...but on a much smaller scale than by today's standards. It's a really great way to kick off this album. And what also should be told is that Kev really has a great voice for this style of music. All these years, I never knew he could pull off such a great song and keep me wanting more.

"Only Drug" is a nice little tune. It seems that Kev is confessing that even when times were tough he still found hope. But what did he find hope in? His wife? His music? The music scene that he's so much a part of? All the above? It doesn't matter! It can be about anything and everything all at once. It's a song about all the good and bad in our life. Sometimes the good outweighs the bad. Sometimes it's the other way around. But to stay focused and true to yourself are what will get you through til tomorrow.

This album also has an almost country feel to it in the form of "What A Lie". Coupled with harmonica and beautiful playing, Kev really shines vocally on this track. It's an all around masterpiece of a song. This isn't something I was expecting, but am glad I was able to discover. This truly is a wonderful record to sit back on a Sunday (or ANY day for that matter) and relax to. It's a comforting album by a truly gifted singer, songwriter and musician. It just goes to show even the hardest of punks can show us another side of them. A side more sensitive and mellow, but equally as powerful as anything on The Crew or Walk Together Rock Together. This is one of the best records to come out this year, in my opinion. Pick it up and check it out for yourself.

5 / 5 stars