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Ambitions' music is electrifying, exciting, explosive and energizing. And what less would one expect from a melodic hardcore band that features Jay Aust, Jeff Aust and John Ross of With Honor and (since recording Question) Matt Fox and Matt Fletcher of Shai Hulud? Add to the experienced lineup a killer vocal presence and it's hardly a surprise that such a powerful repository of "e" words describes Ambitions' sound.
The band pens ultra precise, ultra concise melodic hardcore that, although reminiscent of With Honor's first pair of releases, has enough distinguishing qualities to make confusing the two groups nearly impossible. Jay Aust is a truly impressive vocalist -- as both a fuming screamer and more collected singer -- and he bellows loads of liveliness and sincerity into Question. His soaring, clean singing is comparable to that of Ignite's Zoli Teglas, but Aust exchanges note-for-note perfection for a slightly rougher performance. It renders Question an immediately recognizable record and makes for some unforgettable hooks.
While Question's seven songs generally clock in between one and three minutes, the Aust brothers brave the brevity and tightly pack each track with carefully layered guitar parts. Sure, there are traditional, racing chord progressions, but the duo stays downright busy by incorporating melodic picking arrangements and frequently weaving in and out of different parts. The rhythm section warrants praise for its precision and subtle technicalities, and rounds out Ambitions' rather complex musicianship.
Ambitions goes above and beyond. The band muscles their way out of the standard hardcore mold but, at the same time, maintains a focus on the genre's traditional elements. Question may last a painfully short 16 minutes, but it's a mountainous showing of promise, tact and hopeful thinking.
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