7 Seconds “Ourselves” & “Soulforce Revolution” Albums Reissued

Formed in Reno, Nevada in 1980, 7 Seconds are an iconic name in hardcore punk circles, a band that pioneered US hardcore alongside the likes of such luminaries as Minor Threat, Dead Kennedys, Circle Jerks, Black Flag and Bad Brains, they promoted a straight edge lifestyle and by the late 80s had moved beyond hardcore’s musical limitations, embracing a more straightforward sound, albeit with the same underlying core values. Cherry Red Records have today released at 22 track double CD package that contains two classic albums, 1988’s Ourselves and 1989’s Soulforce Revolution. This release features exclusive liner notes from respected journalist Mark Freebase, with contributions from 7 Seconds contemporaries Joe D Foster (Unity / Ignite / No For An Answer), Israel Joseph I (Bad Brains / Fireburn), Scoot Horton (Awkward Thought / Shell Shock / The Kulprits) and journalist and superfan James Sherry.

This pair of recordings are sometimes referred to as 7 Seconds “U2 era”, a slightly derogatory term which overlooks the band’s ambitious attempts to take hardcore in new directions, a path later embraced by the likes of Quicksand, At The Drive-In and Far, and in the modern era Turnstile and Angel Du$t. 7 Seconds frontman Kevin Seconds remains an inspirational figure in the hardcore scene, including carving out a formidable solo career, and as a somewhat reluctant figurehead for the straight edge scene and lifestyle. The Ourselves / Soulforce Revolution deluxe double CD package is now available via Cherry Red Records.