Change Giver, the debut album from Britain's
Shed Seven, mixes energetic, guitar-driven pop tunes with singer
Rick Witter's crooning vocal delivery. The band follows in the tradition of other '90s Brit-pop bands, such as
the Bluetones and
Oasis, but doesn't pull it off as well. Although the songs are catchy and well-executed, there's nothing especially creative or innovative about the album. There isn't much style variety among the songs; they basically all sound similar. However, it's an enjoyable pop album overall. "Speakeasy" is a great track with its dramatic riffs and catchy chorus ("don't break the habit of a lifetime/you broke the habit of a lifetime/I see through everything you do"). "Ocean Pie" is a slight departure from the rest of the album with its semi-bluesy guitar feel.
Change Giver may not be the most prolific Brit-pop album, but it has its moments. ~ Tracy Frey