Ambientnistiy - I ​Thought I Had More

Ambientnistiy

I ​Thought I Had More
​self-released; 2017

3.6 out of 5

By Dom Eagle

Ambientnisity hails from Hilo, Hawaii. This started out as a side project from one of the member’s previous band called 82 Penn, which is “in between drummers” at the moment. Realizing that different songs were coming out of some sessions - songs which didn’t suit 82 Penn, Ambientnisity was born with a penchant for psychedelic and ambient music along with some raw and metallic elements.

I Thought I Had More is the latest five-track EP from Ambientnisity. Their band name certainly describes the music; ambient, beautiful, reverberating and echoing electric guitar chords ring out softly and cleanly into the atmosphere. A slowly crashing drum beat and spoken word accompany the peaceful guitar backdrop. Yet, this serenity is deceptive; suddenly, out of nowhere, electrifying guitar and a throbbing beat burst into the mix. Screeching vocals which wobble a little shakily during the sing-shouting moments ring out, but the energy and passion is there.

The occasional flaws are something Ambientnisity can work on over time. It’s better to miss the occasional note and still have that raw energy and passion than to express little emotion at all. Above all else, I really like the psychedelic elements of this track and the way they combine with spoken word and metal elements. These are definitely genres I’ve never heard combined in such a way (if at all) before.

“Can I Ask A Favor” opens with a tender guitar arpeggio. Sweet and soft vocals dominate the first half of the track, and instrumentally everything is very sleek and soothing. The drum beat is tight, precise, but not too overwhelming. It’s restrained enough that it allows the other elements to shine through.

There are moments at which Ambientnisity tease elements of their heavier side and I almost expect a screeching riff or vocals to burst out of nowhere, but they always swoop back into their ambient and psychedelic style each time. There’s something intriguing about the unexpected nature of this music; there’s diversity to it, and you’re never quite sure what’s coming next. Again, there are a few flat moments in terms of the singing, but these are things which can be ironed out with time and practice.

“Limitless Anxiety” is a raw and vulnerable song full of angst and passion that perfectly summarizes this band. Distorted guitar chords open atop a violently crashing drum beat, and distant vocals reverberate and echo behind the noise. The energy and passion in the vocals works well in this track - this is definitely more within the lead vocalist’s range, and it all blends well with the instruments. Nothing seems to clash. There’s certainly something anxious and frantic about the song in a melodic, musical sense, and I appreciated that they physically demonstrated the meaning of the song. Moments of throbbing beats and screaming vocals add to the intensity and pain oozing from every corner of this track. It’s sad, but it doesn’t wallow in sadness. There’s a frantic energy to the song.

​This is really a great EP. The only flaw is that there are moments during which the singing isn’t quite as good as it could be, but the singer does prove that he can sing in other moments. It’s all about getting a feel for what works with one’s range. In time, this will come more easily. I look forward to seeing what Ambientnisity do next.

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