The band formed in 1994 as a three-piece, featuring singer/guitarist Lance Lammers, bassist Jesse Everhart, and drummer Thomas Lanser. The trio had two releases on indie label Art Monk Construction, a 1996 self-titled E.P. and the 1997 L.P. Leper Ethics.[2] The band broke up in early 1997 shortly before the release of Leper Ethics. Despite all the songs being written by Lammers, Everhart and Lanser continued using the name Seven Storey Mountain for a short time in Lammers' absence, drafting Aaron Wendt as a singer/bassist and Jason Kileen as lead guitarist, with Everhart switching from bass to second guitar.[3] During that summer Lammers recorded 2 four song EPs on his own, "LLE" and "Conservatory". "LLE" was performed entirely by Lammers and "Conservatory" was recorded with local Phoenix drummer Rob Wheeler. Lammers rejoined his former bandmates later that year at their request and reverted the band back to the original three piece configuration.[4] This reformation would only last a few months and permanently disbanded in 1998. Material recorded by this trio from late 1997-1998 was released on the album Based on True Story in 2000 by Deep Elm Records and included several songs Lammers had previously recorded on his own.[5][6]
Lammers formed a new band in 2001 which he abbreviated Seven Storey. The new lineup, featuring Dave Norwood on bass and Chad Kinney on drums, released Dividing By Zero on Deep Elm in 2002.[7] The band began a national tour with Local H and Injected in November 2001.[8] Seven Storey disbanded shortly thereafter. A handful of leftover demo tracks that Lammers recorded on his own were released on a split EP with Brandtson and Camber in 2003.
Continuing to work on new material over the next couple of years, Lammers re-adopted the original Seven Storey Mountain moniker for a 2007 album, At the Poles, released on Thick Records. The album was recorded and performed solely by Lammers, and drew comparisons to Frodus and Fugazi.[9][10] A new live band played shows from 2005-2007 that featured Rich Van Syckel on bass and Dave King on drums.
May 2015 saw the release of the 7 song EP "A La Mierda". Like "At The Poles" this album was written, performed and recorded by Lammers, this time at Fidelity Unlimited Recording in Portland, OR.
Incomplete
Seven Storey Mountain Lyrics
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The stylish and the outcast both. seems they've all got something to approve.
Dreamers dream of somewhere else. thinkers thoughts have turned somewhere else.
I see the majority votes for the lie. it's such a simple choice.
Because the truth. it holds some pain. open eyes are closing now.
After you see so much. you've just had enough. if something was real would it knock on your door.
I wouldn't hold my breath. don't you know few things are for free. searching.
?
The lyrics to Seven Storey Mountain's song "Incomplete" address themes of conformity and disillusionment with society. The opening lines suggest that people are living their lives without truly knowing who or what is controlling them. The observation that the stylish and the outcast both have "something to approve" suggests that everyone is trying to fit into certain societal norms or expectations. The following lines speak of dreamers and thinkers who have turned elsewhere, perhaps indicating that people are seeking a deeper meaning or purpose but are struggling to find it within the confines of their current reality.
The chorus speaks of the painful nature of truth and how many people prefer to turn a blind eye to it. This may be because accepting the truth would require acknowledging uncomfortable realities and facing difficult choices. The lyrics suggest that the majority often chooses the easy option, even if it means embracing a lie. The phrase "open eyes are closing now" may refer to people who are becoming disillusioned with the world around them and are giving up on trying to change it. The final lines speak of the futility of searching for something real, as few things come without a cost. Despite having been in this position before, the singer continues to move on without giving up.
Line by Line Meaning
See them, all the puppets dance
Observing how people blindly follow what society dictates, as if they are puppets controlled by an unknown force.
No one knows who makes them move
It is unclear who is the one manipulating people's actions and thoughts.
The stylish and the outcast both
Society's influence can be seen across all social cliques.
Seems they've all got something to approve
Everyone is trying to fit in, seeking approval from their peers.
Dreamers dream of somewhere else
Individuals with aspirations and creativity envision an alternate reality.
Thinkers thoughts have turned somewhere else
Those who think critically are preoccupied with exploring and analyzing different ideas and theories.
I see the majority votes for the lie
Many individuals choose to believe in falsities because they are easier to accept.
It's such a simple choice
It is straightforward to choose deceptions over the truth.
Because the truth, it holds some pain
The truth is often painful and uncomfortable to face.
Open eyes are closing now
People may choose to ignore the harsh reality and retreat to a bubble of convenience and comfort.
After you see so much, you've just had enough
Once an individual has recognized society's flaws, they may feel a sense of dissatisfaction and disillusionment.
If something was real, would it knock on your door
Genuine experiences and opportunities are few and far between; they do not often come to you.
I wouldn't hold my breath
It is unlikely to expect things to fall into your lap.
Don't you know few things are for free
Rarely do good things come without some sort of cost or sacrifice.
Searching
Continuously seeking a better understanding of the world and your place in it.
Are you tired yet
Challenging societal norms and questioning everything can take a lot of energy and effort.
I was there long ago, still I move on
The artist has gone through these realizations before, but they are always striving towards personal growth and self-discovery.
Can you guess why
The singer wants the listener to understand that questioning society is a necessary part of personal growth and discovery.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DEREK WILLIAM DICK, DOUG MILLETT, ELIZABETH ANTWI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind