Arriving at the Astoria, there was the usual melee of bodies in and around the entrance. Squeezing my way through and handing-in my ticket to gain entry, I was suddenly drawn to the muffled music eminanting from deep within the venue. I was later to discover to my horror that there was a second band supporting Thirteen Senses, who were playing when I arrived. A band called GUSTER! ( I was lead to believe, through reading NME - 14/05 issue, that only LEAVES were to be supporting THIRTEEN SENSES) B*LL*CKS!!!!! I missed the first act! I plead completely and utterly NOT GUILTY of negligence due to poor intelligence! NME you bastards!!!
LEAVES opened up their set by strolling lazyly onto the stage and launching into a lively yet care free set. Apart from latest single " THE SPELL " no songs were announced! NOTE TO FUTURE BANDS WHOM I WILL SEE LIVE :- PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ANNOUNCE THE NAMES OF THE TRACKS YOU ARE GOING TO PLAY!!! Their latest album " THE ANGELA TEST" will be released this summer. A few years back i'm sure i heard material by these guys, though they were named BIG LEAVES. If it is the same band ( and i'm 99% certain they are) reasons or explanations as to why they dump the "BIG " from the band name are unknown. It was a pity that no older material was played, but nevertheless the set 2nite was pretty cool! Will have to get the new album and re-acquaint myself with LEAVES!!
The main act, who appeared amid a sea of cheers you could almost call Coldplay's little Brother. THIRTEEN SENSES comprise of Will South ( Vocals, Piano, Guitar and Keyboard) - Adam Wilson ( Bass Guitar ) - Brendan James ( Drums ) and Tom Welham ( Guitar and Synths ).
The band started with INTO THE FIRE, the opening track from debut album THE INVITATION ( This song would be repeated at the end of the set to close precedings). The entire set comprised of songs from their debut album! Two of the songs performed were b-sides to various singles which the band had released. Picture This and Perfect! The only song from the album not to be played was Saving Will South stated during the evening that new material was currently being written and that the band were aiming for next year as the release time for the second album!
During one break between songs Will announced that it was Tom [Drums & Synths]'s birthday today and asked the crowd to sing Happy Birthday, which was duly sung! Tom turned the ripe old age of 22! Once the small celebrations had finished it was back to business, the set was industrious as it was mesmorising! The eleven songs from the debut album ( minus SAVINGS ) were played with such sencerity and very heart felt and emotional! Gone and Do No Wrong were among the crowd's favourites. Though History was played so softly that it coud have sent a baby to sleep! I was especially looking forward to The Salt Wound Routine ( my favourite track from the album). This was played to perfertion!!!
THIRTEEN SENSES are a truly professional outfit, and should under no circumstance be linked with Coldplay or Keane!!! Sure there music and approach to performance are similar but that's were the line is drawn. It was an excellent gig by a band who will thrive on the success of the chemistry that they've created!
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