13th Hour are a home town band with, so far, limited experience of the kinds of venue and touring that either demolish the spirit or sharpen up the focus. David Little, James Bird, Tim Price, Matthew Rolfe and Adam Kenney have got technical ability, a strong creative streak and the kind of organised intelligence that finds them grinding out a very good, self-produced, self-released collection of songs with some serious promise. And unlike the standard "we've got some CDs at the back" offerings, this is one that will not turn up in three years to embarrass anybody. Indeed, whatever the band has gone on to in three years time, this is one that each of them can still be proud of.
It's unashamed British rock with genuine melodic and lyrical content that you might not be expecting in a Nottingham back room. The sound is bright, strong and attacking. The songs start with strong hooks. The balance is always good: the instruments work as a unit, without weak patches. Everything is done with a sense of urgency and commitment. The band have taken care to create variety within the songs and between the songs. There's a strong sense of drama, and there's no shying away when a euphoric bit of guitar shredding is called for.
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"Lights Go Out" is my favourite song of the set. It's a shoutable chorus and there are strong solo guitar moments that work well and build successfully. "Save This Day" has a great opening - even if it does go on at least twice as long as it should! "Miracle Tonight" shows a good shift of pace with some Spanish guitar and a touch of electric over the top - all very good. "Best Of Me" starts well with a sorrowful vocal line It's equal parts good tight bluesy riff and classic rock anthem-like thing.
"Colours Of The Sun" rocks hard in its opening burst and there are some fine guitar breaks. Closing tune "Mirrors" pushes on variation, but maybe doesn't hold together as tightly as it could.
http://www.myspace.com/13thhourband
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