*Croatian music crew* ***Seven and Counting*** *is an eight (sometimes nine) piece band, sporting a nice blend of classic rock, blues and soul with great vocal harmonies.*

Seven and Counting is a great example of proactive independent music performance, as they funded their own 8-week campaign for the album independently and paid the rest out of their own pockets.

Through lineup changes, the Covid lockdown and other difficulties, these artists never lost their focus and finally released their first studio album, Tonight, on March 30th of this year.

Listening for the first time, the album began with vocal harmonies that reminded me of that early Abba sound with Keep Me, and melted its way into retro seventies soul as Ante Valčić slipped in with his saxophone. Back In Your Arms sees Ante coming in again with a rich sound and gluing everything together nicely. Then we have I Don't Wanna Go Home; a nostalgic feeling of 80's soft rock and watching the sun go down on a summer night.

The entire album is a great mix of sentimental sounds, and a pleasant journey into a more enjoyable and lively time.

I Promise sports a Bruce Springsteen feel, and that's when I knew this group of musicians from across the ocean actually pulled off Americana style rock quite well. Dancing With My Dream is another smooth, wistful tune pulling us back in time for one more sunset cocktail before the blues based Stranded.

We settle into a ballad with No Easy Way Out, offering a break from the pace and placed perfectly in slot number 7 of ten tracks. The last three songs are feel good tunes, covering the fun and romance of youth, summertime parties, and finally landing at last, Tonight. It wraps up the party and takes you home.

The album is a well-balanced feast that reminded me of a time when it was still okay to go a little wild and experience youth the way it's supposed to be lived. If you're a fan of early southern rock and have some good memories stored away, you're going to love Seven and Counting.

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