Right from the vocally haunting and glitchy prelude track, ‘Death Mask’, you’ll be aware that Aa are more than just another experimental faction. Hailing from New York, Aa (apparently you say the name ‘Big A Little A’) produce a unique sound to say the least, acquired by the blending of three drum sets, several synthesisers and an off kilter approach to music, evidenced in their new release, ‘GAame’.
With three drum sets you won’t be surprised that drums pretty much take precedence in their musical ensemble, ‘Best of Seven’ combining with other percussion instruments in their tribal marching rhythm.
‘Flag Day’ continues in the same vein as ‘Best of seven’, adding a long (long for a two and half minute track anyway) electronica intro before a cacophony of chaotic drums erupts, the audible topping delivered via screeching vocals that lead into the track, ‘Good Ship’
‘New Machine’ too provides an exhilarating, if troubling sound. Haunting, primitive and sensual all at once with vocals screaming over the top, sounding like simian calls to war. This is followed swiftly by ‘Thirteen’, a loud and abrasive beat interjecting at times with subtle digital distractions.
‘Fingers To Fists’ provides another curve in the misleadingly simple audio setup, with elements of African folk music emerging from under the blanket of drum beats, ‘Uracle’ also adding another musical dimension with a sound downplayed and smooth yet still tribalistic. In fact despite Aa’s use of loud drum percussion and synths there is a part of their make-up which is rooted deep within the native folk and tribal sounds of world music.
With all but one track being under three minutes in length it won’t take you long to absorb Aa’s new release, which is a wise move as not only does it allow the listener not to become overburdened by the experimentation here, but also reflects the capricious and sporadic nature of the sound emitted by the group.
Aa evidently have a pretty unique sound, the beats and rhythms they produce speak volumes. ‘GAame’ paints an allegorical picture, in my mind at least, of the noisy hustle and bustle of New York. And if cities be nothing more then concrete jungles, then I think they may have just found their tribal marching band.
