EP Review: “Ambivalence” by Sky Navy
By Ellie Mason
On May 22, 2026, Florida-based Math Rock band, Sky Navy, released their debut EP Ambivalence, a five-track exploration of the band’s developing musical identity.
This EP marks Sky Navy’s dive into a more pop-adjacent sound, while still staying faithful to their emo roots, creating a coherent blend of masterful instrumentation, introspective and expressive lyrics, and a full throttle vocal performance that is sure to impress new listeners and long-time fans alike. Sky Navy’s newest project has a powerful team of creatives behind it - vocalists Gabe Lugo and Foster Drew, guitarists David Lloyd and Chris Taliaferro, bassist Ron Cook, and drummer Tyler Austin, all of whom showcase an enormous amount of talent.
The first track on the EP, Sanction, was released as a single on February 28 as an exciting prelude to the rest of the project. It throws the audience straight into Sky Navy’s world - quick, complex, and initially a little overwhelming, until every element of the song clicks into place and suddenly feels empty without the others. Cook in particular is a phenomenal stand-out of the track as he switches bass patterns with fluidity, and a drum tone so clear that it easily commands the rhythm of the track. Despite the complex drums and guitar, the clear, crisp tone feels almost carefree in a way that only comes with years of practice and a deep comfortability with your instrument.
The second and third tracks on the EP, Ash Blossom and Close Call, are some of the best examples of Sky Navy’s remarkable vocals. Lugo and Drew are both vocal powerhouses, showcasing steady and strong talent throughout Sanction, but work together smoothly without ever overpowering each other. Despite both having their own distinct sound, their similar tone and deep understanding of what each track needs from them creates a seamless blend that sounds more like an instrument than two distinct singers.
Water Boy, the final track, is a perfect note for the EP to end on. Slow, thoughtful, and melancholy, it feels like a culmination of all the work that has been put into Sanction. All band members are at their best, with the precise composition and smooth vocals that have shined throughout the EP. With an atmosphere that invokes the feeling of a bittersweet ending, it feels like the perfect final note of a project so thoroughly imbued with passion.
As a debut EP, Sanction is an incredible display of songwriting and musical ability from Sky Navy. It introduces listeners to a band with chemistry and trust so clear that it can’t help but shine through in their work. It brings together elements of their older work with a fresh new sound to create an EP that will, no doubt, leave audiences avidly awaiting their next project.
