CD Review

"Yoga Means Union" is perhaps a peaceful enough phrasing. Ambulance LTD turns this thought upside down, as the New York band soars through this heavy instrumental jam number with garage rock urgency to open their self titled album. But upon further ado, this five piece molds a bit of the Velvet Underground’s art rock along with the ferocity of The Stooges and a bit of New Wave past, holding back one’s initial belief that this band is true garage muscle. So what to make of Ambulance LTD, who so slyly mixes these diverse styles and tempos from the 60's, 70's and 80's?

The mid-tempo "Primitive" swings with fashion and flair, ringing with a true pop chorus. Meanwhile the playful "Antecdote" throws a curve ball and stumbles light on its airy feet. The mixed signals continue throughout, as the band continues to jump from influence to another in the way of The Smiths and the ethereal tones of My Bloody Valentine, with much sugar coating in between – most notably the serene "Sugar Pill." Ambulance LTD has honed a crafty effort that signals the band can mold their cross era influences together confidently. Lets just hope this experimental variety leads for these talented rockers to discover their own signature sound sooner rather than later.