Until now, the ship Alestorm sails on the way of success. The band is making record after record and triumphing everywhere it goes. Its childish side may seem ridiculous to its detractors and its formula is so well oiled that it can be tiring. "Seventh Rum Of A Seventh Rum" (it is not useful to explain the source of inspiration of the title) looks like a bet. Alestorm has to show that they can keep on going without repeating themselves.
The team hasn't changed, the guests are the same with Captain Yarrface on vocals and Patty Gurdy on hurdy-gurdy, and the seriousness is not for the moment with the eleven tracks with explicit themes. 'Magellan's Expedition' is the first track that immerses the listener in the fun and folk universe of the band. The title has the appearance of an anthem with an excellent chorus, a keyboard well put forward, an irresistible dancing side and the abrasive vocals of a perfect ship captain Christopher.
After this successful start the record does not the flag. There is a storytelling aspect that comes out and gives the impression of being on board the ship with the band. The folk melodies work wonderfully, their catchy side makes you want to raise your glass, with an irresistible epic side through effective refrains and riffs and soli of guitars and keyboards well done.
In parallel, there are festive delirium which make the strength of Alestorm. 'Cannonball' and 'P.A.R.T.Y.' are carried by a 80's keyboard. The federative and the irresistible drinking choruses give furiously desire to dance. In the same direct and fun spirit, 'Come To Brazil' has all of a deliciously crazy anthem carried by a chorus that gets into your head in no time.
Some people will think that "Seventh Rum Of A Seventh Rum" is just another album from an Alestorm who keeps on surfing on his formula. They are probably not wrong but they miss a nice delirious party from a band not taking itself seriously, just wanting to get people out of a gloomy everyday life.