Ramona & the Holy Smokes – Self-Titled
Aficionados of traditional Country music will find Ramona & the Holy Smokes a refreshing distraction from the more pop-oriented Country that dominates the charts today. Ramona has a youthful tone similar to the bright voices of ’60s Country — Diane Renay (“Navy Blue”) & Sandy Posey (“I Take It Back,” “Single Girl”). Ramona has that magical sensibility that turns each tune into something sweet but not sugary (“Gonna Be Mine” & “This Little Heart”).
Based in Central Virginia, Ramona (Martinez) goes full-bore early ‘60s with “Even In My Dreams” with its early Roy Orbison-flavored melody. Echo pours like golden honey & it’s a sound that made hits for Patsy Cline. A little angst, heartbreak, longing & escapism – wonderfully captured.
There’s always room for Tex-Mex & “Esta Herida” with its spray of accordion notes spread across an upbeat expanse gets feet moving, lips smiling & skirts flying across the hardwood floors. Ramona (lead & harmony vocals) has a richness that possesses the driven best of Tish Hinojosa. The LP is driven by nostalgia with old-fashioned melodies & arrangements that work well together & sparkle — “Goodbye & Good Riddance” is simple & memorable. That’s the imaginative trick.
There are 10 captivating tunes to the self-titled debut Ramona & the Holy Smokes (Drops Sept 26/Independent/32:04) produced by Kai Crowe-Getty & guitarist Kyle Kilduff. A little more contemporary are both “Drunk After Work” & “Down & Out.” Honky-tonk masterclass with fiery fiddle runs, steady drums & more of Ramona’s satiny smooth heartfelt vocals. On “Down & Out,” Ramona cruises into a playful Sue Thompson (“Paper Tiger’) type voice.
The majority of the original material follows the same recipe. All tasty honky-tonk blended with early Country seasoning. Fortunately, nothing’s novelty-oriented or corny. Everything’s sincerely well shaped while pushing the boundaries of an antiquated style. “1000 Little Heartbreaks” is basted in echo, which maintains the traditional ’50s-’60s tease.
An extremely heavy amount of atmosphere & presence on the production of “Somedays, Sometimes.” The echo is laid on too thick here. Distracts from the wonderful notes Ramona hits. Sounds like it was recorded in a deep well. Good for people who can’t sing, but Ramona can.
This echo treatment isn’t required. Ramona’s voice is good. The effect should only be used as a suggestion, not as an enhancement. It rings false at this level, & the song is a warm, nicely rendered tune. Eliminate the echo & let the song breathe.
Highlights – “Gonna Be Mine,” “This Little Heart,” “Even In My Dreams,” “Esta Herida,” “Drunk After Work,” “Down & Out,” & “1000 Little Heartbreaks.”
Musicians – Brooks Hefner (pedal steel guitar), Jay Ouypron (bass) & Porter Bralley (drums/percussion).
Color image courtesy of the band’s website & Jill Meriwether. CD @ Bandcamp + https://www.ramonaandtheholysmokes.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Ramona and the Holy Smokes “Til It’s Over”