Oregon-based quintet Sword 7 is a fairly new group to the Christian rock / worship underground. Although founding member Travis Soverns started the group some five years ago, the band has undergone many changes before becoming Sword 7. Their debut, It Doesn't Matter is a well-written and well-played independent project. While production quality varies slightly from song to song, with an echo effect on the vocals that gives the album more of an arena rock, light metal feel at times, Sword 7's true charm and strength lies in its vocalist Kayla Plumb. While Soverns offers vocals from time to time on the tracks, he doesn't quite have the range or versatility to carry the songs like Plumb does. But It Doesn't Matter is a stepping stone for this young band. With some tighter production and direction, Sword 7 could certainly go places. The fact the band has written ten of the thirteen tracks is a strong point as well as the fact they avoid taking the easier route of grabbing the audience's attention through popular covers.

With a lot of young bands coming and going, Sword 7's attempt to stand out from the norm is noticeable and distinct. With a greater focus on Plumb's tender vocals and further exploration of her abilities to help fine-tune the band's sound and strengths, It Doesn't Matter could be a project to look back on in a few years as the start of something great.

- Review date: 11/29/04, written by John DiBiase