From The Back of the Sun Album Review

The first thing to strike me about Ammp’s debut album From The Back of the Sun, is the excellent packaging with nice photographs, song lyrics and production notes all stylishly presented in a 12 page foldout booklet. It’s good to see the bands professionalism doesn’t end with their musicianship.

Ammp is a band people would have heard of before, with six of the twelve tracks previously released as singles. Their primarily light-hearted pop rock sound is suitable for every occasion and therefore has huge commercial potential. Much of the underlying influence is similar in style to Coldplay, which, if you’re inclined to the hugely successful genre, is most enjoyable. There’s other prominent influences on this album, however it’s when Ammp breaks out of that pop rock mould that they really come into their own.

The star of the show is Andrew Masseurs. His voice is powerful and prominent in the mix but at times subtle and understated giving the band cohesion and warmth. The second song Sgt Mayhem is the epitome of lyrical minimalism and heartfelt emotion, which helps Ammp find scope and originality. Andrew delivers a well-rounded and sterling performance that is a joy to behold.

The innovative quality to the album shouldn’t be underestimated and becomes more apparent the further into this release you go. Ammp really starts to develop an original and unique style on track five Don’t Leave Me Here. This song alone is worth purchasing the album for and will find a special place in many hearts as an uplifting monumental love anthem. It grows on you with every listen.

Ammp’s U2 flavouring is more apparent on the last few tracks. Andrew Masseurs voice is sometimes uncannily like Bonos, while Mathew Powell encapsulates the Edges lovely dynamics with effective stabs and trills on his guitar. Jason Murphy’s solid bass lines stand out while Andrew Richardson on drums holds his own throughout the album.

Ammp is definitely a band with the potential to go all the way.