Jesse’s Divide, a rock group from the English Midlands, released their debut album, “Thirteen Steps,” Jan. 28.
It only took 10 years.
The three musicians have been together longer. Their first iteration was the well-known UK band of the Aughts — LiViD – which played all over the UK.
After LiViD broke up in 2011 for the oft-cited “creative differences,” three of the four – Drummer Rob Barnes, Bassist Nick Cotton and Lead Vocalist/Guitarist Simon Ward — stuck around to form Jesse’s Divide. Though “Thirteen Steps” is their first album, the band has released four well-received EPs: “Metadome” (2015), “Strange Alchemy” (2016), “Other Worlds Than These” (2018), and “Space Wolf” (2019). Jesse’s Divide even promoted “Space Wolf” with a U.S. tour.
“Thirteen Steps” is the culmination of years of songwriting, gigging and practice plus the need to make meaning of COVID times. There’s definitely a dystopian bent more evident than in other releases. Themes of loneliness, change, self-doubt and isolation run throughout, forming a cohesive and accessible narrative.
This is not to say that it is a depressing album. It’s not. Not by a long shot. It is a hard-driving, head-banging, repeat-play-worthy candidate for any rock fan’s music library.
“Bad Decisions” jump starts the release – like turning over an engine – with the rumbling intensifying through “Free Thinker” into “Down Again.” “Free Thinker” is an of-the-moment creation, with lyrics such as “contagion masks,” “poison in the medicine” and “you can’t fool me” providing critical commentary on the state of discourse in these times.
“Free Thinker” moves seamlessly into an incredibly catchy “Down Again” – one of at least three songs on the album that would merit cross-genre radio play. The other two are “Long Time Coming” and “Anubis.” And good luck getting the KISS-tribute song “Fyre!” out of your head. (I dare you not to sing along with the goofy but fun “burn baby, burn; inferno … hot.”)
The title track, “Thirteen Steps,” shows off Ward’s vocal range and intricate guitar work plus Cotton’s chuggy bass and Barnes’ crashing cymbal action. It’s the heaviest of the lot and references the 13 steps to the gallows. Of course.
If there is a criticism, it’s that the trio has a fondness for musical bridges and guitar solos that may or may not work in every song. Also, the awkwardly named “Jajvam” doesn’t seem to fit in this collection. It would be a fine song on a different EP of theirs – “Metadome” comes to mind – but here it is not a star. Any of the others could be for a variety of reasons.
“Anubis,” the aforementioned banger, ties the album together musically and thematically. It’s a bit wistful, but feels upbeat. Hopeful even, with lyrics such as, “Everything changes. That’s OK. We’re only human. We’ll find a way.”
That final song – showcasing Ward’s impressive vocals — leaves a feeling of being on the precipice of something big. For Jesse’s Divide, it might very well be mainstream success.
Like height marks on a doorway, “Thirteen Steps” tracks the band’s growth over the years. The album sounds both old and new. It pays homage to classic rock with an updated take. It’s familiar yet fresh, and filled with hooks that hang around in your headspace long after the final note.
Check out “Thirteen Steps” via any streaming service or download a digital copy.
Jesse’s Divide social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessesDivide/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessesdivide
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessesdivide/
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jessesdivide/
Music: https://jessesdivide.bandcamp.com/album/thirteen-steps
Merch: https://buythatmerch.co.uk/collections/jesses-divide
About the Author: Beth E. Concepción is a St. Louis-based writer who likes bad taxidermy, reality shows and all kinds of music. (Well, except trap and jazz. Sorry.) Follow her on Twitter: @BethCon5.
