After more than three years since their last release, Son Ambulance emerges from hibernation deep in a realm of exotic 60s and 70s LPs for their third full-length, Someone Else’s Déjà Vu, a bold leap back into the music world and the band’s most challenging work yet. Primarily a Joseph Knapp solo effort, collaborating closely with former/current member Jeffrey Koster, Someone Else’s Déjà Vu marks a departure from 2005’s Key, offers a sharper glimpse into Knapp’s distinct song-writing abilities, and reflects a depth of complexity and dream logic made perfect for a sublime musical experience capable of engaging many new listeners of any age.
Collectively, the songs form a cohesive palette of subtle pop psychedelia encompassing myriad musical genres. “A Girl from New York City” starts off the album with a bustling, fast-paced samba featuring serene, melodic vocals à la Marcos Valle and tumbles into a street carnival of whistle and voice cuica leads. “Legend of Lizeth” slides right into another world, equal parts Pink Floyd and Tommy James with a five-part a cappella break. Elsewhere on Someone Else’s Déjà Vu, tracks make use of rich analog synths, double bass, saxophone and vibraphone, played by various Omaha musicians including members of Tilly and the Wall and The Faint.
A refreshing pastoral familiarity, think of Someone Else’s Déjà Vu as great accompaniment to a day where your only responsibilities might include reading a book, petting your cat or thinking of an old friend.