| 
Review by Emma Whitelaw
Caught live: Thirteen Senses, Shepherd's Bush Empire,
March 7, 2005
THE latest wonderboys of brit pop, Thirteen Senses seem set to
take on the world.
Having toured with such greats as Travis, Starsailor and The
Charlatans, they have just headlined their own show at Shepherd’s
Bush Empire as part of their UK tour and it appears they could
well be this year’s answer to shooting stars, Keane.
They certainly have a similar intensity to their fellow piano-led
predecessors but all comparisons aside Thirteen Senses have a
uniquely delicate sound that will no doubt lead them down the
very same path to success.
After two support acts, Pollen and Alterkicks, the Cornish four-piece
hit the stage much to the delight of the chilled out crowd. It
was certainly an impressive turnout for a band that has only recently
fallen under the spotlight.
|
 |
With boyish charm and good looks,
singer, guitarist and keyboardist, Will South, was sure to have
won the heart of many there that night. Sitting on a stool, he
serenaded the audience as he sang the hypnotically beautiful Last
Forever.
South, accompanied by fellow guitarist, Tom Welham, bassist,
Adam Wilson and drummer, Brendon James, led the audience on a
meditative journey through all states of mind, beginning with
slow-paced ballads followed by jumpy numbers, like Into The
Fire, that soon got the crowd smiling.
Their debut album, The
Invitation, has received critical acclaim throughout the UK
music press and rightfully so!
As a live act, the lads are superb, playing many tracks from
the album like the drum-led, Lead Us (and b-sides too),
they proved there’s much more to look forward to from Thirteen
Senses.
It is refreshing to see a band that isn’t afraid to play
some slower tracks. The tone of the night certainly wasn’t
lost through the mellow tunes; in fact, I would argue they helped
highlight the bands diversity.
Not having heard much of Thirteen Senses prior to the gig, I
must say I was incredibly impressed. Theirs is a music that is
emotionally accessible to any fan, newcomer and die hards alike!
For those who missed the gig on Monday, you are in luck as the
lads return to London in May for two shows - supporting Supergrass
at Koko and headlining at The Astoria.
I strongly suggest you go check them out!
|
