Ramona - How Long

  by John Clarkson

published: 3 / 11 / 2010

Label: Bullit Records
Format: 7"

intro

Straightforward rip-off of early Blondie on vinyl only debut single from Brighton-based band, Ramona

It is 1976 and Blondie are about to begin their ascent of the charts all over again. At least that might be the case if Brighton-based four-piece Ramona have their say. The title track of their debut vinyl only single, ‘How Long’, is a straightforward rip-off of the early Blondie blueprint, combining snappy punk guitars with a 60’s girl group influence. Singer Karen Anne meanwhile drawls out her vocals at the end of each line in the same way as Debbie Harry. ‘Steve McQueen’, its B side, is in a similar vein, but displays a little more originality. Subtler and less brashly obvious in sound, a softly tingling keyboard line and its chorus line of “Everybody’s got the right to live their life the way they want” captures some of the laconism and rebel spirit of the late 60’s and 70’s film icon. Ramona are not, as ‘Steve McQueen’ shows, a band without any promise and Karen Anne is certainly a strong and clear-voiced singer. They, however, need to continue developing their own ideas rather than simply emulating those of their heroes if they are not to be dismissed as also-rans.

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