Signal 13: Destination Unknown

Hailing from Baltimore, Signal 13 may know where they’re from, but it would appear that they are headed for a Destination Unknown. A five track EP that seems to want to hark back to the classic 80s rock of blues, sleaze and innuendos, this effort kicks in with the undoubted highlight “Dirty�, a song possessing a lyric that thoroughly lives up to its name. It’s also a sleaze slither of the sort that Cats In Boots used to kick back to. However, while the authenticity and belief are off the scale, the overriding impression is that Signal 13 need to wind up the tempo to really stomp their party into action. From there things get a little lost, front lady Vicky Starr giving all she’s got and yet at times it’s maybe just not quite enough. Yes, this confident lady pushes and shoves with a real sense of attitude but at times its maybe effort over execution. That said, if she was backed by a set of songs that didn’t plod along in the way that “All Fired Up� and “Make It Rain� do, then maybe she’d have a better chance to shine.

In fairness, that’s maybe all a tad harsh, for I can’t quite help but get the impression that Signal 13 would be a different proposition live, and with a touring history that takes in stints opening for the likes of Great White and KIX, amongst others, I’d hope that’s the case. Admittedly, a lo-fi sound certainly doesn’t help either “Karma� or “Stay With Me� to show some of the bluesy intricacies, or party tricks they are hoping to, but even with that in mind I find it hard to get all that hot under the collar for fare that already seems a little old and tired.

I admire Signal 13 for looking to bring their own personality to a sound that’s been attempted many times before and it’s obvious that they are having great fun doing just that - check out their videos for proof. However, for me, the song is king and unfortunately, Destination Unknown is as listless as its name would lead you to believe.

Track Listing
1. Dirty
2. Karma
3. Make It Rain
4. Stay With Me
5. All Fired Up

Added: August 10th 2020
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Signal 13 online
Hits: 770
Language: english

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