The Rambleers
Roots
Angela Macari O’Looney
Dublin rock band The Rambleers are Steve McConnell-Guitar/Banjo, Peter Omelia-Lead Guitar, Ciaran Donnelly-Bass and Ray Nolan-Drums. On this album certain numbers were performed by original drummer Frank Kennedy. Ken Mooney from The Urges performs other tracks and there’s a very interesting story about how the band have gone through three drummers and have finally settled with Ray. Influences include The Stones, Hendrix, Bloomfield, Zeppelin, Black Crowes and James Gang.
Since forming in 2005, they have been writing and performing original material. The line up has gradually developed. Pete Omelia draws inspiration for his blues/rock style solos from his travels across the U.S.A., where he lived for some years.
Steve is the main songwriter and he has a charming and engaging vocal style.
With the addition of Donnelly who is involved in arrangements and whose baselines set the scene in each number, plus drummer Ray (Quiet) Nolan’s imaginative drums and percussion, The Rambleers have a unique and appealing sound.
This band has gigged extensively, boasting performances at the Mercantile Sunday Roast, Club Fear, Modern Times in Crawdaddy and the OiOi Get Down in O’Neill’s, Maynooth.
The Rambleers also performed original sets for three days at the Rory Gallagher fest in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal in 2010.
Roots is due for release in April 2011 and is a collection of enjoyable numbers, some laid back, some upbeat and punchy. I plucked out my own favourites from the ten interesting tracks.
Roots
The intro to this song is slinky, with delectable lead guitar. The pace alters to a faster beat, with explosive drum rolls and paradiddles throughout the verse. Superb chord combinations throughout are impressive, as are backing vocals which are infused in just the right places behind Steve’s lead voice. Alternating rhythm, a scorching lead solo and Ciaran lending atmosphere with his baseline are key features in this excellent title track.
Pete and Steve perform delicious riffs where slider is used to add a twang!
Ebb and Flow
This is another number that changes pace throughout. It begins with trickling guitars and Steve singing a moody verse. Two guitars blend well with both complimenting one another for the first solo and bass barely there but framing the picture nicely.
Gradually building up to a rockin’ beat, this song totally comes alive by the time your into the chorus. Screaming lead and seductive slides up along the guitar frets are exciting. Instrumentals throughout are outstanding in this sleazy, one horse town type number which is well named.
Phoonthy Blues is a blues/rock number where lots of distortion is used in guitars. The intro involves a catchy alternating beat and sexy guitars. Creedance style riffs and twin slides up and down the frets are exhilarating to hear and Steve’s delivery perfect as he performs the moody vocals. It’s a hangdog number with lots of charm!
With an acoustic guitar intro to die for, Here and now is a delicious number. Witty lyrics and superb riffs lend to this song. Steve plays banjo, Ciaran does some wonderful bass and all the stops are pulled out as each musician lets loose. My favourite line in this track is Please do something to cover up them holes/ I know it don’t look pretty but it gets us down the road.
New Years Day
With a gorgeous intro involving a twangy guitar and soulful harmonica, this number is haunting and very appealing. Banjo adds to the atmosphere and backing vocals perform sweet oohs. Acoustic guitar chords provide rhythm during the first verse.
Percussion comes in for the second verse and the gradual build up of sound is very effective, with instruments joining with every new verse. This is my favourite number on the album.
Dirty Blue
What I adore about this number is the way the rest of the band echo Steve’s words with each line of the verse. Percussion is brilliant throughout and the choppy rhythm alluring. Lead guitar is yet again amazing, with plucked notes and wonderful chords extremely effective. Steve’s vocals excel here too, as he sings the blues, backed by catchy lead riffs that continue all the way through. I find this number extremely seductive!
Performed in a train station, with all the noises associated with a busy morning as commuters pass the busker, Buskin Blues is just that. I lay my hat down but not a soul about.
Harmonica is a perfect addition in this and backing vocals are excellent also.
Omelia lets loose doing a fab guitar solo, baseline strutting its stuff too. Acoustic guitar for the verse is trickling and I like how it returns to just the acoustic before the last blasted out chorus. Harmonica and electric guitars do this amazing passing train effect that I love here. There seems to be loads going on from beginning to end.
The chorus and elaborate guitars in Backyard Blues are the highlight. Twin riffs are delectable in this number, with lead elaborate and Ciaran’s baseline busy. This foot stomping song changes pace later on, speeding up to a fast rock beat. It chops and changes constantly and guitars seduce with bending riffs and ball breaking solos never ending. I’d say it is one amazing song to watch live!
Sway is the last song on The Rambleers debut album. It’s a lovely finale, with a rolling beat, elaborate notation on acoustic guitar and brushes used on drums to give it a sense of movement.
A feature of this band’s music is the way they tend to alter the tempo during each number. This is no exception and for this they choose a three four tempo which I absolutely adore. Electric guitar chords and trickling notation are wonderful. It would definitely be a song for swaying to.
As a bonus track, the boys do an additional instrumental involving more scintillating guitars. Pete Omelia has a style I could listen to forever and I enjoy this last blow out that the lads perform to wind down a very entertaining CD.
The true stars of this show are the wonderful instruments, although Steve McConnell’s bluesy vocals are essentially at the forefront in each number. So its not too surprising that the band chose to depict the tools of their trade on the front cover of the album. Also in the picture is a comfortable looking leather armchair, which seems to be inviting the listener to sit down, take the load off and enjoy some blissful blues!
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