How Ace Are Buildings

• Artist: A
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1997
• Type: Lyrics are included with the album
• Genre: Rock

Review

Those familiar with the dialect of A's native eastern England will recognise "How Ace Are Buildings" grammatically as a statement rather than a question. Although its meaning is never totally revealed, it typifies the band's intent to race into rock's psyche with a powerful debut, rather than tip-toe onto the stage with the feelers out. Rock is the passion here: their logo is Aerosmith-esque, AC/DC have taught them well, and no sooner has the leading track invited you to "Turn It Up" than it's headlong into "Foghorn," one of the most impressive tracks and definitive of A's raucous sound. The gesture of an introductory bio in the form of "Cheeky Monkey" is served up, as if it were needed by now, to familiarize you with the group. "My name is Jason/I'll rock your face in/'Cause I've got relations in my band/We like Van Halen and Iron Maiden/And I'll do the talking, understand," yaps Adam Perry, who's infant-like vocal helps put across juvenile lyrical themes coupled with poppy harmonies. An almost visible energy has been pumped into delivering seven of the most mercilessly fast-paced songs you're ever likely to hear in succession, before taking a breather with the summery "Fistral." Superseded with a couple more potential singles (this album is flush with them), and the melancholic farewell "Ender," A's unveiling is a suitable one. In comparison to later efforts, there's little evidence of the impending electro input on 1999's A vs. Monkey Kong, and it's surprisingly several miles from A's powerful nü-metal approach on 2002's Hi-Fi Serious, though there are hints of the shamelessly American style, which comes to the fore in the latter release. Still, it's of its time and it's clear to see how they managed to join hands with Kerrang! magazine and British bands like Feeder and Ash into mainstream rock fame in the early 2000s. It's difficult to section this title, but a mention for Billy Joel's "My Life" on the superbly catchy single "No1" and name-checking Eddie Van Halen, Faith No More, the U.K.'s notorious Wildhearts and the Sex Pistols, Simpsons creator Matt Groening, and Marvel comics in the sleeve credits should give you some idea of whether you would enjoy this record or not. Generally, it's nice to hear a band having so much fun, especially on the self-indulgent hidden track at the end, which if nothing else gives the band a chance to have a final heavy guitar flourish. And why not? It's your first album; don't hold back. ~ Owen Guthrie-Jones, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Turn It Up	Graeme Swindon	A	(1:33)
Foghorn	Jason Perry, Graeme Swindon	A	(3:04)
Cheeky Monkey	Graeme Swindon	A	(3:36)
No1	Graeme Swindon	A	(3:50)
Bad Idea	Graeme Swindon	A	(2:21)
Sing-A-Long	Graeme Swindon	A	(4:20)
Winter of '96	Graeme Swindon	A	(5:28)
Out of Tune	Graeme Swindon	A	(4:19)
Fistral	Graeme Swindon	A	(3:59)
House Under the Ground	Graeme Swindon	A	(4:01)
Five in the Morning	Graeme Swindon	A	(3:14)
Ender	Graeme Swindon	A	(18:07)

Credits

Pete Briquette (Mixing), Clive Martin (Producer), A (Main Performer), Mark Chapman (Guitar), Adam Perry (Drums), Jason Perry (Vocals), Jason Perry (Producer), Jason Perry (Sleeve Photo), Giles Perry (Keyboards), Giles Perry (Vocals (Background)), Steve Swindon (Bass), Steve Swindon (Vocals (Background)), Steve Swindon (Sleeve Photo)

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