Ambitious Lovers

The Profile

Ambitious Lovers were a New York-based duo formed by Arto Lindsay and Peter Scherer in 1984. Across three albums—Envy (1984), Greed (1988), and Lust (1991)—they fused no wave sensibilities with Brazilian music, funk, and synth-pop.

Initially involved collaborators such as David Moss, Mark Miller and Anton Fier; the core became the duo of Arto Lindsay and Peter Scherer. The debut Envy (1984) featured Brazilian percussionists Reinaldo Fernandes, Toni Nogueira, and Claudio & Jorge Silva. The group blended electronics, funk and Brazilian elements with a no wave/avant approach, later issuing Greed (1988) and Lust (1991).

Two DeBaser reviews spotlight Ambitious Lovers’ fusion of no wave grit, Brazilian rhythms, funk and synth-pop. Envy (1984) is described as radical, detailed, and anything but easy listening, with standout percussion and a bold “Dora” cover. Greed (1988) is praised as an accessible yet avant-garde step, mixing danceable energy with bossanova and soul touches.