Every once in a while, a band comes along with a sound that is so insane and preposterous, you just can’t stop listening to it. It happened in 1998, when System of a Down released their frantic self-titled debut. And now, it’s happening again. This time around, it’s a three-member band by the name of The Ambulance. Under the guidance and production of System of a Down guitarist Daron Malakian, The Ambulance is about to give the L.A. music scene some much needed C.P.R., along with a hefty shot of adrenaline.
The Ambulance describe themselves as a “punk, metal” band. In actuality, their music needs more than just two words to be fully explained. In fact, the only way to truly understand their style is to listen for yourself. Another alternative would be to take your favorite Korn CD, scratch it up, dip it in acid, then listen to it smoking on a phat blunt. It is this creativity and uniqueness that makes The Ambulance stand out among the hordes of unsigned bands on the Sunset Strip.
Their recently released four-song demo has the arduous task of conveying their music to the masses. The CD begins with the fierce tune “You’re Gonna Pay.” Lead singer A.J. Lopez‘s lunatic vocals wildly stray from his own guitar rhythms and Brett McConnell‘s furious drum beats like a crazed inmate fleeing San Quentin. “Disinfectant“‘ offers Shahen Hagobian‘s unique bass-playing style at its finest. This groove features a mellow, guitar-plucking interlude to give the listener a brief escape from the madness. “Uninvited” is one of my favorite songs on the disc. It is about going to a party uninvited, and not knowing anybody there. Just when you think you might have the balls to talk to somebody, Lopez declares “You lost the nerve!” The CD finishes with another energetic and dynamic song, appropriately named “Stop.”
If you enjoy listening to Britney Spears and ‘N SYNC, you may want to stay away from this band. But for anybody that thinks that all current music sounds the same and lacks creativity, The Ambulance may have just the medicine for you.
-Rikk eLhaj
Rikk@UnEarthed.com
