You don't have to dig deep on The Ramalamas' third album to uncover traces of Neil Young, The Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones and Small Faces.
Yet the Sydney five-piece sounds surprisingly fresh for what is essentially a throwback band. Opening track Can't Put You Down sets the pace with its guitar and piano-driven pop-rock, en route to a joyfully rickety ride down the highways of Americana. The bluegrass stomp of Shank's Pony evolves into a proggy cacophony; Hottest Place In Hell has a tinge of dark gospel; and Lucky's bass groove, horns and offbeat tambourine bring a dash of soul. This is music for hot nights and hard liquor - drink up.
