Album Review: The Ramonas – Acoustic Problems

The Ramonas should be no strangers to anyone who attends the UK’s punk and alternative festivals, or who have any love for one of the, if not the most, influential punk bands, Ramones. Whilst their live shows are frequently dominated by the Ramones back catalogue, over the last few years they have steadily been introducing their own original material, and playing originals sets live. Their latest release, Acoustic Problems, was inspired by playing acoustic shows and this album attempts to capture the sound of those raw stripped back acoustic set. 

Acoustic Problems was recorded in a single day, it features the girls on their acoustic instruments, including a kazoo, and features the legendary UK Subs frontman Charlie Harper joining in on harmonica. The album features four new tracks and seven acoustic reworking of tracks from their first two releases, the You Asked For It EP and their debut full length First World Problems. Their material translates unexpectedly well to the acoustic treatment, this is no laid back late night reworking, the tracks all carry the same energy as their amplified counterparts and the production catches the feel of an intimate live show perfectly.

The Ramonas continue to capture essence of the Ramones, it’s worth mentioning that such is the authenticity of their live act the last time I caught them live, at the 2018 Rebellion Festival, there was a who’s who of punk legends, including Charlie Harper, watching their set from the wings. There are those that label The Ramonas a tribute act, but Acoustic Problems, their third originals release, puts paid to any notion that they are just another covers band, The Ramonas have become a force of nature in their own right, and it’s a force that is not diminished by being delivered unplugged.

Acoustic Problems can be purchased here

The Ramonas website is here