South London's AMBERSHADES are still something of an unknown quantity as your reviewer scribbles, but judging by the celebratory contents of this debut EP, that's a state of affairs which will inevitably change. And fast.
With its' ear-piercingly loud cha-cha-cha rimshot rhythm and circular chord refrain and that chorus that makes SARS look like an itch, "Clap Clap Clap" is unfeasibly catchy, and basks in a sunny, but slightly unwholesome 70s vibe. Maybe it's the cocaine breakdown lyrical content, but this writer can certainly imagine it soundtracking John Lennon and Harry Nilsson's infamous elongated LA 'lost weekend'.
The EP's two additional tracks are hardly duffers, either. "Hello Hello" boasts a very Primal Scream-y vibe straight outta "Movin' On Up" with vintage Andy Hopkins-style electric piano tinkling from Paul Beard and huge, testifyin' backing vocals. It's great, though it does take a weird detour into country rock territory, with someone letting in the blind mute from "Delieverance" in the side door to peel off some mean banjo. Unh?
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Final track "Too Much" is initially sombre by comparison, with a morning-after feel, compounded by singer Davey La sounding suitably crestfallen. At 1 min 45, however, it picks up and lifts off with big rock dynamics muscling in and La's lyrical experience and dexterity ("I need something that will stay with me") affording a laudable honesty without sacrificing the tune factor.
So yeah, it's retro, but in a totally convincing, infectious and synapse-massaging kinda way. If AMBERSHADES don't do well, I'll eat my Tarantino collection. THAT'S how sure I am.
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