Thirteen Senses – 'Contact' (Mercury) Released 02/04/2007

Ok, well this is a tricky one, because as these pleasant Cornish lads sky rocketed into the spotlight back in 2005, it was during a growing paradigm in British music where the Coldplay associated sound was reaching its zenith.The combination of atmospheric guitar melodies, emotive lyrics, and cleaned faced lads hitting higher pitched notes beyond the lung capacities of the classic rock ‘n’ roll frontman were captivating audiences. Already on the scene taking the initiative was Athlete, Starsailor, Snow Patrol, and later Keane, but to take nothing away from Thirteen Senses, regardless of the familiar and growingly annoying repertoire, they did produce an excellent debut.

So what now we ask?  As Coldplay move into the super-band category and the ambient rock mantle passes firmly to Keane and Snow Patrol, the other add-on bands disappear gently into the distance. And for the likes of Thirteen Senses, it is certainly not as easy as it was a couple of years ago. This is a point where an edge is needed, a fragment of uniqueness, in order to diversify from the crowd. Unfortunately for the lovely lads from Penzance, ‘Contact’ clearly lacks this originality, and the annoying part is there is nothing bad about it, there is just nothing different. 

Opening track ‘Contact’ shows promise and passion, which is soon followed by first single from the album ‘All The Love In Your Hands’, with elements of Richard Ashcroft’s Song For Lovers days. This is contrasted with the gritty guitar opening on ‘Animal’, sounding like it could be something by BRMC, but then sadly dissolves into the overall liquid of familiarity.  The acoustic loops of ‘Call Someone’ provides a slight break from the norm, a sweet folk melody and capturing lyrics as lead singer sings Will South sings ‘and I figure you out, the harder you fall, you just to call and let someone know”. 

After the excitement of what would follow from their debut, it has sadly been replaced by a mulled anti-climax. Come on boys try letting your hair down and show us what you’re really made of!