Album Mini-review: The Amazing — Ambulance
File next to: The Cure, The Smiths, My Bloody Valentine
In a way, The Amazing can be thought of as a side-project: guitarist Reine Fiske is the lead guitarist in Dungen. But this Swedish group has staked out a sound and aesthetic of its own. Unlike Dungen, they sing in English. And theirs is a decidedly more mainstream sound, full of gauzy, deeply textured melodic lines. A softer, more shimmering take on shoegaze, the music on Ambulance has a grey-day melancholy air displayed in its achingly beautiful melodies. Ambulance is the group’s fifth release, and it shows the group continuing to explore appealing sonic territory. Supposedly the music arose from improvisation; if that’s so, the group has a stunning collective sense of melody. The vocals are intentionally buried in the mix, there as much for effect as anything else. “Divide” is a standout track on an album that features a multitude of riches.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.