Album Review: Thirteen Stars - Finest Ramshackle Jam
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
Thirteen Stars are a Southern Rock band from the West Coast of Cumbria. Formed in 2009 by founder member Matthew ‘Hoss’ Thompson, they have toured extensively across the UK and Europe, supporting the likes of The Quireboys, Hayseed Dixie and Skinny Molly, as well as releasing four studio albums and a live EP. They are established on the UK rock circuit, playing sets at Planet Rock Winter’s End, Bully On Rocks, and Hard Rock Hell Crows amongst others.
It’s been six years since ‘The White Raven’, the band’s last long player and during that time the band, initially formed as a solo project, has changed line-up several times. A settled line-up since 2018 sees Thompson (lead vocals and guitar) joined by guitarist Jacksson ‘Jax’ Sedgwick, bassist Stevie Revier and drummer Andrew Bates. Album number five, ‘Finest Ramshackle Jam’ is the result of two years hard work, writing new material and road-testing the songs across the UK, Spain, France and Holland.
It’s apparent from opening song ‘I’m Ready’ that Thirteen Stars move with a swagger and sleaze that draws from a multitude of influences. Thompson’s extended smoky drawl works perfectly with the rich harmonies that soak the band’s Southern rock style. The tracks are confidently delivered, crafted with care and whilst they have been reminiscent of a plethora of bands, there is a freshness that will appeal to those fans who pack out the classic rock festivals year after year.
First single ‘Running So Long’ is a sweet slab of Americana, and it’s impossible to ignore the similarity to the late great Tom Petty throughout the song. Similarly, ‘Be There In The Morning’ with its REM-like intro and general retro guitar feel and the infectious second single ‘Mint Jelly’ with its honky tonk ZZ Top riff and style all carry a feel good element that makes it impossible not to tap along to.
With 15 tracks and 55 minutes to enjoy, Finest Ramshackle Jam may feel a little long. And yet, each track provides something slightly different. Short, sweet and with enough punch to stand aside from others, Thirteen Stars bring their own approach to the table. Album closer ‘Solider’ changes the feel and tempo, at over seven minutes it's rightly a bit of an epic. An acoustic intro (on Thompson’s SJ 200) gives way to an extended jam, which features some superb slide and lead work. A track that the band have played for several years, it’s adapted from the American Civil War poem ‘Only A Soldier’s Grave’ by S.A. Jones. There’s also a gong at the conclusion, included for the sheer hell of it! What’s not to like?
Recorded at Axis Studios, Doncaster, the album was engineered by Matt Elliss, co-produced by Matt Elliss and ‘Hoss’ Thompson, and mastered at Abbey Road Studios by Geoff Pesche. It’s easy to see why Thirteen Stars have featured as Classic Rock’s single of the week. It’s slick and polished whilst retaining enough grit to remain relevant.
ICYMI - Check out the time Thirteen Stars were ship wrecked on Devil's Island here!
