Reviews

Popular music is undoubtedly trend oriented.  With that said, is it entirely possible to predict the next wave of money makers in the ‘biz?   Once the emo rockers all have so much cash that they forget exactly what it is they were sad about, what genre will take their place? It could be some revolutionary breakthrough in music. Or it could be pop punk again. I’d like to think that jazz will take hold of its rightful place as the original American music and join forces with the laid back minimalist rock wave set into motion by our friends The Velvet Underground and The Smiths and the sweet soulful sounds of Hall and Oates.  Would you look at that…I just described Ambulance LTD!    
 
Based in New York City but comprised of four men from everywhere but, Ambulance LTD combine the bare elements of rock, soul and blues, bringing the listeners back in time to a place where The Beatles still made teenage girls sell their souls to rock n’ roll and Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds wasn’t a product of air pollution.  The title track, “New English” is an up-tempo folk-rock tune with acoustic guitar and over simplified drum beats.  “Arbuckles Swan Song” is a soothing sensation of soul with hints of everyone from The Temptations to Pink Floyd (whose song, “Fearless” the band actually covers on this ep). Marcus Congleton is the brain child of this group as the lead vocalist, guitar player and songwriter.  His simple, sometimes childish yet deeply poetic lyrics add a certain innocence to the maturity of the music instrumentally.  However, I believe that he has a lot more lyrical potential.
 
Ambulance LTD is the kind of band you listen to with a cigarette in your mouth and a glass of brandy in each hand.  Great music to play in the background of your retro porno flick but as far as starting a revolution or providing any insight into the secrets of mankind, you can expect no answers from this band.  To the naked eye, Ambulance LTD is perhaps a Beatles rip off, but to the keen listener they are much more than that; but the return of a very important movement in music. P.S. they’re on the same label as Lil John, his East Side Boys and the Ying Yang Twins. I got a kick out of that, I hope you did too. Three and a half stars for Ambulance LTD.