13th Chime

The 13th Chime was an English goth-rock band that cut three independent singles and recorded an intended 1984 album, released in 2009 by archivists Sacred Bones.

Members: Mick Hand (vocals), Gary O’Connor (guitar), Terry Taylor (bass), Ricky Cook (drums)

Background

13th Chime formed in 1980 in Haverhill, Suffolk, when singer Mick Hand, guitarist Gary O’Connor, and drummer Ricky Cook regrouped from Antix, a local band that ended with the asthma death of bassist Rupert. The three survivors linked with bassist Terry Taylor from fellow Haverhill punks The Wynd-Ups. Hand worked as a coffin maker, and 13th Chime converted two coffins into PA speaker cabinets.

13th Chime played the first show in Haverhill and used Antix-era material such as “Memories.” The group issued “Cuts of Love” (b/w “Coffin Maker”) in 1981 as the first of three independently produced singles.

The quartet supported Theatre of Hate at Cambridge Corn Exchange on March 6, 1982, then played Sound Cellar dates in May and June. 13th Chime issued “Cursed” (b/w “Dug Up”) that year. Reel Records included both tracks on the 1982 compilation Reel Two.

13th Chime also toured with The Enid and supported The Adicts and Dead Kennedys. The band issued “Fire” in 1983 (b/w “Hide + Seek” and “Sally Ditch”).

The quartet recorded nine tracks around 1984 for a proposed debut album and recut “Fire,” “Sally Ditch,” and “Hide + Seek” for the set.

Discography:

• “Cuts of Love” / “Coffin Maker” (1981)
  
• “Cursed” / “Dug Up” (1982)
  
• “Fire / Hide + Seek” / “Sally Ditch” (1983)
  
• The Lost Album (2009, recorded 1984)