Demos can be funny sometimes. They are called a demo for a reason; it's by no means a finished product. And yet many times these demos end up becoming just that. Ambitions will see No Limits mass-produced in both 7" and CD format in the near future, but with good reason. Over the course of these four songs, Ambitions have created music that is the perfect homage to the fast yet melodic style of the early Revelation years and infused that sound with honest and infectious lyrics.
"Uphill Battle" definitely shows strikingly similarities to the most recent With Honor record, but that is to be expected with the core writing team involved. Oh you didn't know that brothers Jay and Jeff Aust as well as John Ross are in this band? Well they are! So are Matt Fox and Matt Fletcher of Shai Hulud - though they didn't record on this demo. This might matter to some, but to most it's the music that matters. "In Between" continues on in a similar musical fashion to the first song, but is cornered by a hellaciously catchy chorus. "Still Dreaming" is a bit faster and more "punk" in nature - definitely reminded me a bit of Gorilla Biscuits. The last song "Question" is their best. Like the others, the music is fast and catchy; you'll no doubt be bobbing your head. The band also breaks it down mid-way through and throws in a great sing-along.
Speaking of sing-alongs, there are plenty of moments on No Limits for those. Jay Aust's lyrics make for great sing-alongs. Perhaps it is the sincerity of the words, or the way the words flow with the music. I'm not sure why, but I just love singing along to these songs. Once you hear them, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.
No Limits is an extremely promising demo. The band's energetic, upbeat, and melodic approach will no doubt win them a gathering of new fans in no time. Then again, having three members of With Honor and a couple of guys that played in Shai Hulud doesn't hurt either. Regardless of who comprises this band, I'm stoked on what I'm hearing from Ambitions.
