Avanti

Avanti starts off just the way the name of the band suggests: ramblin'. The Ramblin' Ambassadors draw from their influences and pay homage through a few covers. Avanti's instrumentals weave through Western rambles, Morricone and Calexico style, the rockabilly/psychobilly sound of Flat Duo Jets, and the surf guitar stylings of the likes of Dick Dale or the Ventures. "Theme from 'The Ramblin' Bastards'" is a walkin' tune that pulses with lots of hard-hitting guitars and heightens with an interesting distorted picking solo. Where the Ramblin' Ambassadors peak is on a Brian Connelly-penned track, "Twenty Original Fembots." The guitars have a wonderful haunting tone, the harmonies of the melody build the atmosphere, and the rhythm section pumps along, making you realize that this song is from Connelly, who was a part of Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet. All tracks are short, tight, and have a lot of energy, but are definitely something that you've heard done many times before. What saves the familiarity is that the record clocks in at 24 minutes; you get your fix and get out. For those who are submerged in the rockabilly culture, the Ramblin' Ambassadors' Avanti might prove to be a nice, sweet listening treat to add to your collection.