Amboy is a four piece Alternative / Pop Punk band hailing from Long Island, NY. The band consists of Chris Moraitis (vocals & guitar), Michael Milillo (bass & backup vocals), Mike White (drums & backup vocals), and Mike Brasile (guitar & synth). The band started in 2014 when Chris Moraitis met Mike Milillo. From there, the guys met Mike White and formed Amboy. They recorded their newest EP, “Sidekick!”, in 2016, and added Mike Brasile to the roster in 2017. With amazing achievements such as beating out 54 competitors to win Newsday Battle of the Bands in 2017, it is no surprise that Amboy is quickly gaining a following!
Amboy’s 2016 release is one kick ass EP. “Sidekick!” is a five song album that packs a punch. The EP begins with Just Another Weekend. For being a Pop Punk/Alternative band, I am loving the reggae vibes heard in the verses of this song. It reminds me of a song by Pepper or The Expendables with a hint of The Offspring. Amboy does a great job of bringing in the Pop Punk vibes in this song with the gang type singing and heavier guitar chords. In addition to the great instrumentals, the chorus is one that will be stuck in for your head for days! “You hurt my head, acting like there’s anything to defend, head high while you play your little game and, it’s all smiles till you’re home in your lonely bed. Take him instead before you throw me off the deep end, and act like it’s just another weekend, tell yourself that it’s all inside your head, cuz you like to run from the past, friend.”
Just Another Weekend is followed up by You Know I Can’t Reach You. I really like this song because of the simple additions to it that made the song pop. The simple drumming combined with the upbeat guitar chords will put anyone in a good mood. I think it’s so cool that the band added a whistling bridge in the song. It is not only the perfect way to break up the song, but so original. I’ve heard other bands attempt to incorporate whistling on their songs but were unsuccessful in capturing the appealing sound. Amboy had no troubles with it and it added volumes to You Know I Can’t Reach You.
Hand over the Car comes up next on “Sidekick!”. This song contains the most emotional lyrics on the EP. The song starts off with the slow, soft strum of the guitar and the vocals of Chris Moraitis. “Call me up and you know that I’ll never answer, cuz I call it your fault every time my head hurts, guess you thought that you’d never have a son like me. All the days washed away with the useless banter, and you said it was good but I can’t remember, guess it’s time for me to pack up all my things and leave. But when you look in the mirror and you’re eighteen years old, that’s not the way that story was supposed to go.” Amboy does a great job of getting back into the heavier Pop Punk with a full band instrumental chorus that continues throughout the remainder of the song.
It is amazing how the more I listen “Sidekick!”, the more influences I hear on it. I don’t think I’ve ever come across a band that I’ve been able to compare to such a wide variety of bands. Amboy was able to capture the essence of bands like Pepper, Reel Big Fish, Goldfinger, Good Charlotte, Sum 41 and incorporate it into one killer EP! “Sidekick!” finishes off with Hero Boy and That’s Life (feat. Joe Ragosta). As you know, I always look for a slower, softer song on an EP. I love a band that is able to demonstrate their ability to differentiate between styles on songs. Amboy was able to demonstrate that ability on That’s Life. I love the message of this song. “If we could stand a little taller, keep our heads above the water, tell ourselves that by tomorrow we’ll be fine, fine, fine. Just keep living and taking what you’re given, I hope this makes you feel alright, just keep living and taking what you’re given, I hope this gets you through the night!” I think this is a song that everyone needs to listen to. When life has us down, we are so quick to assume the worst; so quick to jump to the conclusion that our life is ruined. Amboy does a great job of spreading the message that every single person needs to follow in order to live a happy life; just keep living and taking what you’re given!
Amboy is an Alternative / Pop Punk band that is making waves in the music scene! Their “Sidekick!” EP is by far one of my favorite EP’s. I got the chance to speak with Amboy recently and they informed me that they intend to release a new EP this year! I can only imagine how awesome it’s going to be! Make sure to check out Amboy and listen to their music on the blog’s Spotify playlist; After Hours Review!