The Ambitions: Press

"New Old School: A BREATH OF booty-shaking, sweat-dripping, old-school fresh air amid a sea of jagged pop and aggressive hardcore, the Ambitions bring something to the D.C. scene it hasn't been notorious for — fun. This soulful garage band with rock chops, led by charistmatic frontwoman Caz Gardiner, doesn't just recycle '60s pop forms, it reinvents them. Check them out at Saturday's Valentine's Day bash at the Black Cat gig with politically charged punk-poppers the Electricutions."

"...the Ambitions... The lead singer has what some older guys who work in guitar stores would call “chops,” meaning she sounds like Aretha Franklin. She also dances like Tina Turner, except actually more animated. The music is a pretty perfect balance of 1960s soul-pop with garagey keyboards and guitars. On record that perfection can sound a bit over-produced, but at this show they cranked up the rawness and the energy and got people dancing almost right away. At one point I looked around and some boogieing crowd members were intent on their feet instead of the stage, which in my mind is a huge compliment to a band that might be comfortable asking an audience to do the Mashed Potato. They didn’t ask, but I did the Mashed Potato anyway, as well as the Shingaling and a combination of the twist and the jerk that I call the Gist. It looks retarded, but is very fun to do, so please keep your comments to yourself."

"When they take the stage, it’s apparent that The Ambitions have their style component down pat. Gracefully walking that line between clever and costume, their 60s inspired threads give a naturally polished look. After a few songs it’s clear that the word "polished" extends to their sound, as well."

It is impossible to listen to The Ambitions and stand still. This was the case at the band’s recent Black Cat show. An initially austere and stationary crowd was nodding at the first song and flailing by the third. Even the couple in the corner, determinedly twined together, were shaking their collective groove thing. The Ambitions' energetic blend of rock and 60s soul certainly was the main force behind this sudden dance craze. Some credit must go to directly the group’s lead singer, Caz. A whirlwind with curls and a vintage shift, she did a modified mashed potato when singing and cut completely loose during the instrumental sections.

The rest of the band was a bit more stationary but with good reason; they were clearly focused on maintaining their studio-perfect sound....The Ambitions are remarkably tight, creating a cohesive sound that calls to mind Phil Spector or Pet Sounds. Bill Dempsey balanced keys and organs against Kelly Marshall’s impressive guitar while Jorge Banales (bass) added the soul and Sean Hissey (drums) gave the audience a beat they could dance to. It all seemed effortless, a true mark of their collective skill. As for Caz, well, a Tina Turner comparison is more than appropriate. Though not possessing a world weary growl, Caz’s voice reaches out and grabs the audience. Strong but with a remarkable clarity, it brings brightness to every song, not generally found in soul (a great example was their effervescent cover of “The Midnight Hour’). After an hour of dancing all around, The Ambitions leave you wanting more."

"The Washington quintet charmed....The Ambitions have a fantastic original song called "Look at Me." It's a sassy number in which leading lady Caz Gardiner beckons for attention: 'Don't look away, pretty baby / C'mon, c'mon, look at me / Like what you see, pretty baby / C'mon, c'mon, look at me.'

Gardiner was a bright spot of energy with her cute dance moves, loud dress and head full of bouncy shoulder-length curls."

"The Ambitions' fusion of garage-pop with uplifting soul-style vocals has the edge...."

"Before too terribly long, The Ambitions take the stage, and moments into the first song, I remember why I bothered coming out tonight: they're ridiculously good. Singing "Lonesome Highway," lead singer Caz Gardiner assumes the perfect diva stance; feet firmly planted, one hand firmly gripping the microphone and body always in motion, the former ska performer is as much a sight to behold as a joy to hear. All crinkly brown hair and big voice, she pauses between songs to take a swig from her bottle of Budweiser. Everyone on the stage has a ridiculous grin on their face. This is truly a band that loves to play.

While introducing the catchy "Thank You," she mentions that there just aren't enough people making use of the dance space in front of the stage. She has nothing to fear, for by the time their set is finished, half of the crowd is shaking a** in one way or another. Like last week's pick The Pinker Tones, this is music that lends itself especially well to a certain carefree seduction.

The guys in The Ambitions are certainly capable musicians; the lead guitarist takes a couple of interesting solos before the set is over, but if you're going to fall in love with this band, it will be with the irrepressible lead singer. On the more soulful numbers, you see how much she loves being on stage; a big smile lights up her face and for a moment, it's bliss. Barely lit by the random blue bar light and a string of red and yellow icicle lights hung behind them, they transcend the space; anywhere they play, there will be dancing and smiles."

“Another night at the local indie-rock club, another disaffected 20-something wailing out his childhood abandonment issues, Yawn. Break the angry/depressed monotony with the D.C.-based Ambitions. The band’s music is as fun and retro as lead singer Caz Gardiner’s mod shift dresses. Keeping with the group’s tried-and-true 60s style, Gardiner sings about such simple things as the quest for the perfect dancehall and the perfect cutie....catchy pop music guaranteed to get your hips swinging, even in the post-holiday lull. So lighten up and check your daddy problems at the door when the Ambitions play....”