EP Review: Electric Zebra ‘Ambition’

Gold Coast 4-piece Electric Zebra have dropped their second EP ‘Ambition’ and wow, it’s gonna melt your face off!

After consistent touring following the release of their debut EP ‘Modern Living’, the band spent nine months repeatedly scrapping songs for their latest effort ‘Ambition’. Three days spent sheltering from Queensland storms resulted in five new songs, which collectively work in maintaining the grunge rock elements of Electric Zebra’s debut, whilst leaving space for the exploration of new avenues sonically.

“A combination of early 90s grunge and The Cure, ‘Ambition’ is almost a homage to the melancholy, stoner rock vibe of the naughties…”

A combination of early 90s grunge and The Cure, ‘Ambition’ is almost a homage to the melancholy, stoner rock vibe of the naughties (picture a small smoke filled garage show). The title track Ambition opens the EP with an explosive bang. The sort of song you’d expect to hear in an angsty teen movie soundtrack, the track intertwines classic indie-rock in the verse with heavy, distorted grunge in the chorus. Raw and evocative, the inclusion of an ambient bridge diversifies the song and adds a sustained calmness that provides a much needed break from the intensity of the remaining three minutes.

Credit to Electric Zebra, their decision to explore new sounds has produced a more polished collection of songs. The five tracks work in a chronological storyline like manner, with each song flowing nicely into the next, telling a progressive tale of joy, loss, desperation and progression.

“From the shaky, emo feel of Keelan Sanders vocals, to the sporadic guitar melody that somehow just works, the song is a testament to Electric Zebra’s transition from an alt-rock/grunge band to something far more intricate.”

Momentum is a stand out amongst the grunge infused bunch. A tribute to The Cure in many aspects, the song displays a diverse array of influences. From the shaky, emo feel of Keelan Sanders vocals, to the sporadic guitar melody that somehow just works, the song is a testament to Electric Zebra’s transition from an alt-rock/grunge band to something far more intricate.

The remainder of the EP is everything you imagine (in their own words) a teen angst band to sound like. Conversation, with it’s Death Cab for Cutie vibe, will get you through a tough break up, whilst Penny and Twenty bring a darker ambience to the release. Shying away from the distorted, beefy punk/grunge sound we’re used to hearing, the two songs, like Momentum, show diversity with a primarily dark indie rock theme throughout.

Electric Zebra will be playing two shows over the next month and a half. Your attendance is compulsory as these boys are certainly ones to watch.

To hear ‘Ambient’ click HERE

Electric Zebra Live Dates

FRI 26 FEB
Griffith Drama Theatre, Gold Coast

THU 17 MAR
Ric’s Bar, Brisbane

Tickets Are Door Sale Only