7 Seconds biography

Seminal punk rockers 7 Seconds formed in Reno, Nev., in 1981, with a lineup of vocalist Kevin Seconds, guitarist Bobby Adams, bassist Steve Youth and drummer Troy Mowat. With a positive, straightedge message and driving instrumentation, 7 Seconds became the West Coast's answer to Washington D.C.'s Minor Threat, developing an underground following worldwide. Their first full-length album, The Crew, was not released until 1984, issued on the DIY label Better Youth Organization.

After two more similar but refined albums on BYO, 1985's Walk Together, Rock Together and 1986's New Wind, 7 Seconds signed to a more mainstream indie label, Restless Records, where they released two pop-oriented albums, 1987's Soulforce Revolution and 1988's Ourselves. The band relocated to nearby Sacramento, Calif., and for the next few years Kevin Seconds split his time between touring with 7 Seconds and performing and recording with side-projects such as Drop Acid, Mustard, and 5 Ft. 10". 7 Seconds returned to the studio for 1993's Out the Shizzy, on another indie, Headhunter Records.

After 1995's dismal Alt.Music.Hardcore the flagging band was strangely signedto Epic Records, who were eager to cash in on the growing resurgence ofpunk rock. Their 1996 album The Music, The Message was a complete flop,and 7 Seconds disappeared, apparently broken up. Kevin Seconds is currently recording with a new band, Go National, and has a new solo album coming out onCargo Records.

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