Reviewers like simple surprises. Example: a crisp 7” double A-side single dropping unexpectedly through the letterbox, postman’s boot print and all. No forewarning. No explanation. Just free music. It’s even better when that surprise turns out to be a good one. A really good one.
The Amphetameanies, holed all the way up in bonnie Scotland cheering on Partick Thistle, is a band that’s somehow slipped this reviewer’s radar previously. That’s about to change because this single proves to have some serious pulling power. “Good One Go” is entrenched in 2 Tone era ska, propelled along by a beefy brass section and some really hooked upstrokes. It’s up tempo and groovy, with a real gang-feel to its delivery. There’s a lot going on here, but the mix is spot-on. No one instrument drowns out another.
“Nothing’s Okay” is a little more relaxed (it’s still buoyant though) with the Hammond organ making more of a presence. In some ways there’re shades of very early No Doubt (and that’s not just the female vocals), all sunshine sounds and joyful glee. Whereas “Good One Go” is pretty much 2 Tone only, this latter track encompasses a little trad ska and third wave as well. An all-rounder if you will.
It may only total 5 minutes 42 seconds but this double A is exciting. True if ska’s not your thing then you’re probably not going to be all that fussed, but if you like a little bit of a skank here or there then The Amphetameanies seem like a very good prospect. Certainly this self-released record whets an appetite that was lurking under the surface previously.
Alex