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The Red Romance
"What You Wanted"
Former members of Ambulance LTD resurrect sexy, R&B-tinged NYC rock.
(Aug 06) - Spin
June 9, 2006
Ex-members of Ambulance LTD emerge with a totally new sound: a bit Strokes-y with loads of old school Motown flavor.
Three years ago, I wrote the first ever press release for a band called Ambulance LTD, and in 2004 they released a self-titled debut that has been one of the most universally liked records in my collection. Eventually, they evolved into a super live act as well, routinely stunning audiences with their energetic amalgamation of American rock's best bits.
But, somewhat routinely, even bands like that can fizzle out, and this year saw three of Ambulance's founding members -- bassist Matt Dublin, guitarist Benji Lysaght, and drummer Darren Beckett -- parting ways with frontman Marcus Congleton. They quite quickly reemerged as the Red Romance, with Dublin moving out front on lead vocals and rhythm guitar. With newly recruited bassist Adam Chilenski in the mix, the Red Romance have recorded a few demo tracks and are playing gigs in New York.
I caught the band at Pianos on the Lower East Side last night, almost by accident, and was completely excited about the Red Romance's future. It's classic rock'n'roll, anchored by Beckett's rock steady, Motown-influenced backbeats and Lysaght's subtly innovative lead guitar work. Up front, Dublin's still finding his way, but the sly chorus on "What You Wanted" shows he's got a bit of attitude to share. PETER GASTON - Spin.com
SUMMER LOVE
They were poised for play time on The O.C., but former members of Ambulance LTD broke away more than mid-way to indie fame to make music they really believed in. In mere months, Benji Lysaght (guitar), Darren Beckett (drums), and Matthew Dublin (bass, now lead singer), along with new bassist Adam Chilenski, resurfaced as the Red Romance. While testing a new sound altogether-indie rock, of course, but animated with a popish rhythm owing to Beckett's jazzy drum beats, Lysaght's insightful guitar melodies, and Dublin's cool, dare I say charming vocals-these guys know what they're doing, manifest in an infectious stage presence that touring with the Killers, the Dears, and Placebo (when Ambulance) couldn't have hurt. Both original Ambulance aficionados and the uninitiated will delight. "We're just writing songs we like and that other people will dig," explains Dublin. Spoken like a true indie rocker. The group plans to release an EP this fall, but in the meantime, fall in love with the Red Romance - Nylon News Letter June 14, 2006
Discography
Ep slated for release in late fall
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
The Red Romance is a New York City rock n' roll outfit comprised of Darren Beckett on drums, Matthew Dublin on vocals and guitar, Benjamin Lysaght on guitar and sounds, and Adam Chilenski on bass.
After a distinguished tenure in indie rock sensation Ambulance LTD (TVT Records)-which included touring with such luminaries as The Killers, The Dears and Placebo, as well as recording three critically heralded albums—Beckett, Dublin and Lysaght decided in late 2005 to tender their resignations and search out a new musical direction. Building upon a back catalogue of songs Dublin had written while still in Ambulance LTD, the three began recording and writing feverishly. After handing-off a demo to Chilenski one wind-whipped winter morning in Time's Square, the indie rock vets' search was complete: The Red Romance was born.
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