“We are Thirteen, punk rock and roll” yell’s Dolly Robinson on the bands theme song and literally the closing number on their new Ego Trap EP, a full frontal assault on the senses, this is a mighty head rush of exactly what the band claim to be on heir eponymous song.
Dolly Robinson is the only remaining member of the original line up. The band formed in 2013 and have so far released two EPs and two full length albums. There was a bit of an enforced hiatus when Dolly was looking to recruit new band members following the departure of original members, but I’m glad to say, this search for new members has been a more than fruitful one. Like bands such as The Wildhearts and Backyard Babies, their sound straddles the line between hard rock and punk, positively bristling with attitude.
All six of these songs have appeared in their previous forms on the bands two albums, the debut, Line of the Dead on Deadline Day and 2019’s Controversy. There was absolutely nothing wrong with these songs on those albums, but just listen to the new versions in conjunction with the originals, and it sounds like the band have made a concerted effort to beef up this new sound, a combination of the playing and the production sounds like they’ve been on the Weetabix, not just 2 but THREE every morning, whilst simultaneously pumping iron in the gym every day and topping that up with daily steroid injections.
Thirteen haven’t changed their style or signature sound, they’ve just amplified everything several notches. There is a distinct kick drum sound that permeates throughout like so much thunder. Dolly’s voice still has that familiar timbre, with its slight reminiscence of Smashing Pumpkins main man Billy Corgan, but sounds stronger than ever. The guitar lines retain their compelling nature but listening to the originals now compared to these versions, it feels like there is no comparison. These versions pummel them into submission. Its like the originals were the pale puny teenage versions of themselves before they hit the gym and filled out into the muscular tanned behemoths they are now.
Whether you are new to Thirteen or if you have enjoyed their previous releases, Ego Trap is well worth your time and money.
The new line up of Thirteen is:
Dolly McDolls – Vocals and Guitar
Rabies – Drums and Backing Vocals
Marco Morelli – Guitar and Backing Vocals
Iain Gillespie – Bass and Backing Vocals
Thirteen Facebook
One Reply to “Thirteen – Ego Trap – EP review”
Comments are closed.