Rhythm Nation "SE7EN"

The kings of the hill kick out the jams with "SE7EN"

Rhythm Nation is no stranger to the local gig scene. Actively rocking local live houses since 2009, they've been writing and performing original music while busting out headbang-worthy covers of rap rock heavyweights such as Rage Against The Machine and Limp Bizkit.

A band of seven members, they are a troop of accomplished musicians; fronted by Jude (singer), Marvellous Vish (rapper), and Syco V (rapper and beatboxer), and backed by Adrian (bassist), Ethan (guitarist), Lucian (guitarist), and Emmanuel (drums).

Rhythm Nation launched their debut album "SE7EN" with an explosive performance at Rockafella's, Changkat KL in December last year. Their high-energy stage presence brought the roof down; an indication that they're built to rock and they're here to stay.

Consisting of seven tasty tracks, "SE7EN" is perfect if you're looking for a mood-lifting sonic fix: clever rhymes and catchy melodies against a backdrop of rock n' roll-inspired guitars and a solid rhythm section.

The album opens with a trio of rockers: Runaway, King Of The Hill, and My Catastrophe, followed by tracks that feature fellow independent artists: Legendary (with Maya Hanum) and Superstar (with Julio Singho).

"The writing process was a collaboration of different perspectives from everyone in the band," recalls Jude, "Location was key. We even wrote songs on a rooftop. Inspiration does come from a very interesting place. Our songs are about our real-life experiences as well as the things we've seen our loved ones go through. Runaway and Hold On are close to my heart: our message to our brothers and sisters who have gone through the worst. A message to remind them that things will eventually come around and that life is worth living for."

"It was great working on riffs and the arrangement of the songs," says Lucian, "I was really glad to contribute to the creative process. Kaboom is one of my favourite songs; I tried out different techniques that were new to me and it turned out great. Doing gang vocals with the boys was fun, too, because I never get a chance to be in front of a mic." 

Ethan chimes in, "Lucian and I traded riffs between each other, and we spent time a lot of time in the studio. I remember writing the main riffs for Runaway and King Of The Hill while jamming with the band. The riff for Legendary came to me while I was having a cold one on a beach in Penang."

The launch of "SE7EN" was definitely long-awaited. It took five years of hard work. Finding time to record in between busy schedules, replacing drummers, and creative differences are just some of the challenges that the band had to endure during their journey. They soldiered on, saw it through, and they were more than ready to drop their debut.

"Being in a band with seven members is already a challenge in itself," says Jude, "But we formed a brotherhood throughout the years. We gave our blood, sweat, and tears and we're really thrilled to have made it to the finish line."

Despite the challenges, the boys really enjoy the songwriting process. Adrian says, "Usually, Ethan or Lucian will come up with a riff, and the band will jam it out in the studio to create a structure of a new song. Then, our vocalists will brainstorm and decide the direction of the song. After that, we will continue to jam and work it out until we feel that the entire song is solid and ready for the stage."

Ethan says, "We tend to push ourselves creatively, to come up with the best possible performance. And we end up surprising each other as each of us get better and better."

If you ever get a chance to see this crew perform, go for it. They are an entertaining bunch, and they always put on a great show. 

To get a copy of "SE7EN", email them at rhythmnationseven@gmail.com or hit them up on Instagram @rhythmnation7. Also, check out their music on Spotify.