7eventeen Past The Instructions

7eventeen are a 3-piece progressive/rock/alternative band from Glasgow

The band 'officially' formed in the cold dark winter of January 2005. The band members are Gary 'Biff' Wilson (Lead Vocals/Guitar) and Andy 'AJ' Johnstone (Backing Vocals/Bass Guitar) and Gary 'Big Papa Pomp' Morton (Drums).

The main musical influences of the band are Biffy Clyro, the Deftones, the Goo Goo dolls, the Foo Fighters, Reuben and numerous others. Band History.

Andy and Biff are old school mates and began their musical career in a band called 'My Friend Lucy' along with our close friend Stuart 'Curdo' Curran- with Biff on drums, Andy on Lead Guitar and Curdo assuming bassularly duties. Biff and Gary were also in a band called 'My Broken Jar' which split up in January of the same year. After the demise of MBJ- Gary joined forces with Biff and AJ- forming 7eventeen past the instructions.

To avoid using cliches like a pheonix rising from the ashes- we were very much like a pheonix rising from the ashes of the two previous bands. The newly-formed musical force of 7eventeen met in a few very successful practices at the infamous 'Practice Pad' in Maryhill. These early practices were greatly helped by the fact that Andy and Biff had played together frequently and Biff and Gary had been playing and gigging for around a year. The chemistry of the band came together very easily and the first few practices proved to be very productive- resulting in our first ever song- entitled 'Lucy'. From there, the band progressed from strength to strength developing a heavier and more adventurous sound. New songs closely followed, including 'Forever Amber' 'Kill Your Hopes' and the age-old classic- 'My Universe'. These songs formed the basis of our first EP- entitled 'Boy 59'. Boy 59 was recorded at the Practice Pad studios with the talented "Colin" who was responsible for Biffy Clyro's early album work. The EP also featured a guest appearance of Abi Vuillamy, an incredibly talented Viola player which added depth and beautiful string arrangements to 'My Universe'.
Boy 59 was well-received and its self-funded release was featured in the Clydebank Post (yas!). At this point 7eventeen played our first few gigs- including venues such as the Cathouse, Soundhaus, Barfly and an outdoor festival- 'T in the Farm'.

Boy 59 was closely followed by 'An Equal Point' our second EP. This EP saw 7eventeen explore the heavier side of their sound in the disjointed, aggressive and explosive 'Farewell to Arms' and 'The First' which broke new ground for the band with its unique bass-riven melody. The First represented a new direction for the band, furthering the introverted, melancholy and melodic side of 7eventeen's sound which was in its embroynic state with songs such as 'Kill Your Hopes'. This side of the band has subsequently been explored by new songs such as- 'SeeUinCIDE' 'Asylum' and 'For You', which are heavily influenced by Dance Music and reminiscent of bands such as Mogwai and Sigur Ros.

After parting ways with the Practice Pad, 7eventeen have discovered an amazing new studio complex called 'Harbour Sound', at which we practice every Sunday.

The band are gaining much live experience by playing regular gigs in and around Glasgow. 7eventeen have recently begun to headline shows, and have been selected to support bands such as- 'Obsessive Compulsive' (Manchester), the 'Tyrant Lizard Kings' (in association with CPL promotions) and 'We Aren't Superheroes Anymore' (London).

In addition to this 7eventeen have set up their own promotions company called 'everywhereinchains promotions' (which can be found at www.myspace.com/everywhereinchainspromotions)

7eventeen are developing an energetic and powerful live performance- as people who have seen the band live have said 'you sure make a helluva lot of noise for just the 3 of you'. Overall it can be said that 7eventeen are a dynamic 3-piece band who try to make unique, compelling music which people will enjoy and will have a great live impact.