As unsurprising as it is when bands big themselves up, it’s even less surprising when their assertions are completely false. Take a shot every time a band claims they’re “changing the game” or something to that effect, and a stint in A&E will be on the cards for the foreseeable future. Apparently Denmark’s Siamese are the next ones to have such superlatives thrust upon them, and – big surprise – new album ‘Shameless’ is largely unable to live up to them.

It’s incredibly easy to see why, too, as the influences from the scores of interchangeable pop-rock/post-hardcore bands are visible in earnest. ‘Soul And Chemicals’ is a blatant Hands Like Houses off-cut, while ‘One Night Thing’ Eurovisions the already squeaky clean package up with added twinkling synths.

Not only does it feel completely uninspired throughout, but there are moments that are so abjectly cringeworthy that ‘Shameless’ feels all the more apt as a title, like the AutoTune slathered onto the already mawkish ‘Brother’, or the lyrical lift from Justin Timberlake’s ‘Cry Me A River’ that’s unforgivably heavy-handed.

The most disappointing thing is that the potential is there, but it’s never properly utilised. ‘Made It Out’ is a rare moment of real quality as one of the slickest R&B / rock crossovers you’re likely to hear, but even with the power and slick personality in Mirza Radonjica’s vocals that are definitely the most consistently strong factor, there’s precious little to latch on to. Siamese clearly have an idea of what they want to do, but the execution could be improved a whole lot.

2/5

‘Shameless’ by Siamese is released on 23rd June on Artery Recordings / Avalon Japan / Prime Collective.

Siamese links: Website|Facebook|Twitter

Words by Luke Nuttall (@nuttall_luke)