Ambershades came together in 2002, essentially beginning its short lifespan as a studio project helmed by producers Davey La and Ben Castle. With the addition of Paul Beard, John Hillier and Terry Kirkbride, Ambershades was born. The band quickly set up shop in London and began writing for what would become their debut, "Clap Clap Clap". Self-financed and released, the album hit store shelves in early 2004.
It wasn't long before NME and other reputable members of the british press began lauding Ambershades as the next big thing. With favorable reviews and great press, one would've expected the album to set the indie charts alight, but that all came crashing down by 2005. With members defecting to James Blunt's touring band, the band faltered and simply vanished. There have been sporadic reunion performances over the last few years, but for all intents and purposes, Ambershades are no more.
It's quite a tragedy, as this album is full of sublime melodic hooks and pitch-perfect vocal performances all the way around. With a jangly sound that infuses 60's pop, americana and pub rock, Ambershades are truly an anomaly of the power pop genre. No one sounded like them then and the same holds true now. Davey La has issued a solo album recently that does subtly harken back to Ambershades' only album, but this release will be remembered as a one-of-a-kind. I've included two b-sides from 2005 at the end of this album. This essentially covers all of the band's released material. Highly recommended...give this overlooked gem its due.
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ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing The Ambershades to my attention. I'd never heard of 'em before. You're absolutely right, they've got a terrific sound.
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