Well it's not exactly the most appealing or inspiring name for a band is it? Without being the criticism it may first appear, however, it's a strangely apposite moniker, as there's something ramshackle and vagabond about the band's raggedy, lo-fi indie sound.
Opener 'Forget Me Not' changes direction half a dozen times before the vocals begin and has a guitar (or possibly ukulele) sound nabbed from the Wedding Present's early recordings before a trumpet wanders into the final bars.
The unusual instrumentation continues through the skiffle with brass knees-up of 'Desperation Row' and the swinging yet rather haphazard 'G-Bop & Rocksteady,' with banjos and horns all over the shop and even a hint of kitchen sink in the mix on the title track if I'm not mistaken.
It's all good fun, but the lack of definite choruses and the rather chaotic sound and production, which finds the vocals are often lack clarity (or adequate volume) does become a little frustrating by around midway through. By this time, the novelty value has worn somewhat thin, and while the change of pace that 'I Don't Even Like You' brings is welcome, it does sound as though some drunken buskers have been caught on tape after breaking into the studio.
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'The Statement' presents a rather dark narrative over a sonic backdrop that begins quiet and vaguely experimental before evolving into some mutant post-rock sea-shanty (with some harmonica and trumpet thrown in for good measure). It's certainly different, and perhaps the most successfully realised track on the album.
Into the home straight, 'When I’m Alone' reverts to the 'formula' of the first three or four tracks and the set is brought to a close with the upbeat and Spanish-flavoured but largely forgettable 'Le Djangoisee.'
The number of ideas packed onto 'Bold Ambler' is commendable and no mistake. Sometimes, though, less is more....
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