Shed Seven - Change Giver (1994)

You've got to hand it to Shed Seven's incredible longevity. Where other bands would have thrown in the towel much earlier these perennial underachievers continued to ply their trade with limited success. Remember it took Pulp ten years to break even but perhaps we're talking about different leagues here. It is hard to figure out why Shed Seven have rarely impacted on mainstream consciousness. On paper at least they have a good fighting chance. Rick Witter gives off the notion of a preening rock star (who looks like a young Ian Brown on the cover of this album) capable of coming up with little pop gems like 'Chasing Rainbows' and 'Going for Gold'. Rather unfairly Witter has been a figure of fun in the music press, seen as a semi-faux pretender. In Alan Leach Shed Seven possessed a drummer who follows in the great tradition of nutcase stick handlers, a necessary requirement in the rock and roll scheme of things. Add to this the other band members who are more than capable of delivering on Witter's pop vision. Perhaps it's just a case of missing the X factor that marks a band out from the large cast of wannabe stars. Shed Seven are a little short of inspiring, maybe a bit too aspiring for their own good.

Getting back to the music, Change Giver was a fine debut. It produced several singles that went on to make a dent (admittedly small) on the charts. None of the tracks, however, are truly groundbreaking. They are pleasant in a throwaway type of way. You may whistle them down the road but the next nice one that comes along quickly replaces them. Just like 'Missing Out', all jingly jangly and a strong vocal but also quite forgettable. Change Giver is the quintessential indie album. It's got the choruses, the guitar mix and the whippet like vocals. Harmless pop that won't fill your head with dreams, perhaps its slight nature is ultimately its undoing. There are a few genuine highlights though. 'Speakeasy' has a spiky guitar entrance and a breezy cool nature that levitates its groovy nature. 'Ocean Pie' is also wonderful. A slow burner that resonates classicism and insightful lyrics that are sadly prophetic. 'I don't need to live, I need to survive' neatly describes the bands hanging on by a fingernail situation.

While there are a few duds the album possesses more hooks than a seabound trawler. It's like Mr. Witter figures that if he throws out enough candyfloss some of it will stick. So you get a Dead or Alive homage on 'Dolphin', something approaching an average Suede tune on 'Stars In Your Eyes' and the indie by numbers stoop of 'Mark'. Surprisingly there are a few hints of something bigger on the last track 'On An Island With You'. Stretching to over 8 minutes you wonder why it couldn't always be like this. Starting out at breakneck speed it flowers into a something altogether more beautiful with a distinguished guitar sequence befitting a truly great band. Not an ‘I Am The Resurrection’ type finale but it does leave a sweet aftertaste. If the posturing could be harnessed into a more diverse sound then Shed Seven could finally break free of that nearly men tag. ‘Change Giver’ is more than an honest, workmanlike album and deserves an audience. No student party would seem quite complete without it (while we're on this subject, what happens to students when they enter the world of work, do they suddenly become Westlife fans, I've never quite worked it out). Give them a chance and maybe Shed Seven's luck will change. KD

Rating: 6.5/10

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Change Giver [US] Change Giver

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