The Thirst: ‘On The Brink’

Judging by the title of this debut album, The Thirst are clearly an ambitious bunch. Support slots with The Rolling Stones and Sex Pistols show that some big names are watching over them... but aren’t they just another bloody indie band?

Mark, Marcus and brothers Mensah and Kwame were discovered by Ronnie Wood – hence the Stones support slot – and make a big deal out of their childhood hip-hop, reggae and ska influences. This isn’t apparent from the record however, and they could do more to differentiate themselves from the pack.

The album catches you off balance straight away, starting out with a low-key, acoustic challenge to doubters on the downbeat ‘They Don’t Know’. But thereafter we’re fully in spiky indie pop territory. On ‘Ready To Move’ I honestly thought my stereo had switched to the Arctic Monkeys by mistake. The Steel City boys want to get the lawyers onto this lot – only the London accent offers a clue to show that yes, this is a different band.

Other Monkeys-shaped items include ‘I Believe’ and ‘Sail Away’ – the latter nevertheless an enjoyable paean to life away from the concrete jungle. Unfortunately the album doesn’t include David Sugar’s dub mix, which is well worth seeking out separately. ‘Acre Lane’, ‘Watch Me Now’ and forthcoming single ‘My Everything’ are entirely forgettable ways to fill NME column inches.

For the sake of variety, ‘I’m Falling’ tries some rather clumsy strings. ‘Don’t Waste Your Time’ goes the whole ska hog, but sounds forced and false, and features an excruciating guitar solo. ‘All Mine’ and title-track ‘On The Brink’ turn up the fuzz in an effort to sound different, and at least inject some honest energy. But overall it ain’t enough. On the brink (of major success)? This writer thinks not.

Released on 2nd June 2008 by Wooden Records.

Written by James Farrell.