Search - Ambulette :: Lottery

Group still finding their way

Leroy Fakename | Anytown, USA | 03/23/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I started listening to Denali a couple of years ago on the reccomendation of a friend, and was instantly blown away by the beauty and power of their debut CD. I wasn't totally into Maura's voice, but the music was so incredible, so simple and so hauntingly beautiful. I got a chance to see them right before they broke up. While at the show I got their second CD, and I could feel a change in direction. The riffs were more complicated, the piano was less of a element. The band breaks up, yadda yadda yadda, we have the Lottery EP which seems like such a natural progression from Instinct.



I bring up Denali (as most reviewers will) because one of the main drawing points of both bands is Ms. Davis, and as such comparisons are natural. However, as much as Ambulette is Denali, it is also very much its own band. This CD highlights the changes, but sometimes seems too scattered. "I've Got More" has an almost 80ish feel to it, almost bouncy musically. We then go into "Fall" which, and this is blasphemy, but the background music gives me the same kind of feel as Kashmir by Led Zeppelin. Middle-eastern type rythyms, I can't really put my finger on it, it's a wonderful song.



The next two songs would fit perfectly on a Denali CD, they are both very thoughtful songs, and with the layering of vocals (on "Seconds Until Midnight" especially), they really give me the same feel. The closing song, in my opinion, is the real highlight of this CD. I "acquired" a bootleg of one of their shows when they were still Bella Lea and was blown away by the beauty of "If You Go Away", and a lot of that is because I love the original version, or Nina Simone's interpretation of it at least. "Ne Me Quitte Pas" by Nina Simone almost brings me to tears everytime, so sad, so melancholy, and this band really conveys the same emotions, a little toned down, but still so powerful. Just listen to "If You Go Away", and if you like it, do yourself a favor and look up Nina Simone.



Wow, this review is longer than the CD, Ok so in conclusion, this is a good CD, not earth-shattering, but certainly shows a lot of promise, and I look forward to their full length."

Incredible Preview of Full Length Debut

Christopher J. Radek | 03/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've followed Maura Davis from Denali to Bella Lea to Ambulette. She never disappoints. The songs are well crafted, emotional, dark, and moody. Maura's voice is incredible. This is a strong preview for what is sure to be a great full length debut. I listened to each song again, and again, and again, and again."