IMPALA
From
their surf-explosive “Squad Car” to the razorsharp swagger of Henry
Mancini's “Experiment in Terror,” this Memphis-based
sax-‘n'-guitar-driven instrumental combo Impala know the seedier side of
Gotham like the back of their assassin's hand. Don't
be smoked by the title—there's nary a drop of conventional R&B in
this Molotov cocktail. What you get instead is an alleyway exploration
of hot rods, switchblades, and catfights that'd have the Grammy “Best
Instro” committee signing bonus checks—if they weren't scurrying to
safer environs. Impala rack up the bodies with a fierce cover of Link
Wray's “Vendetta”—two chords, two barrels, direct hit. “The Scratch” and
“LTD A GoGo” are more subversive: laser-in-the-back sci-fi/surf rock
peppered with enough minor chords to show just the tiniest hint of
conscience.
After
the plunder, it's straight to the ladies: “Makin' It” and “Yesiree” are
pure bordello romp—sax-driven, sleazier-than-Flynt burlesque that, like
Eric Oblivian's liner notes imply, tether the 1940s to the 1990s better
than any nouveau L.A. swing combo could hope to. Whatcha waiting for,
kid? Unless you got real nerve, you'd best give ‘em your wallet and hit
the gas.
John Pecorelli
Hot Rod magazine
Ltd A Gogo
