album review: Aa, mAte

I’m not exactly a music person. I’m not saying I don’t enjoy or appreciate music, but I’m not the type of person who is fanatical, or who knows amazing upcoming bands, or who makes an effort to see live music. I can’t even remember the last time I listened to the radio. My music collection comprises of the music my parents played when I was growing up, recommendations from friends, and artists I’ve discovered after hearing one of their songs in a TV show or a movie. Honestly, I’m pretty lazy when it comes to music. But, since I haven’t exactly kept my new years resolution of switching coffee for green tea, I’m thinking 2011 should be the year I broaden my musical horizons. Which is why when Dunja e-mailed me and asked me if I could review something, I told her to send me the first CD on the list.

I’m glad I had no idea what I was getting myself in for. My music taste can pretty much be broken into indie rock – give me a boy with a break in his voice singing some gorgeous lyrics, and I’m a goner (blame it on my mother and her love affair with Bob Dylan). Needles to say, If I’d known Aa’s ‘mAte’ was a lyric free album, I probably wouldn’t have offered to review it.

And that would have been a big mistake.

Aa (pronounced ‘Big a, little a’) are a Brooklyn based band who have been together since 2002, and have fast become a fixture on the New York club scene. The four members (John Atkinson, Aron Wahl, Josh Bonati and Sean Neil) all have copious tasks – there ain’t no bass player in this quartet. Samples and synthesisers (don’t worry, you will not be reminded of Ross’s work on Friends) are layered with drum sets, repetitive shouts and beats.

The music reminds me of an aural representation of a Jackson Pollock painting: organised chaos. It may initially seem like random elements, but in reality, there is passion and precision.

A favourite track of mine is ‘Glow Wreath’. It starts off so softly and delicately, then adds repetitive tinny sounds, before being dominated by infectious drumming. Just when you thought the sound had built enough, the chanting begins. I had no idea what they were saying, but I found myself not caring. The tones behind the voices and the sounds surrounding them have enough power. Also, at the end, I’m pretty sure I heard a triangle, which is pretty freaking awesome. Another favourite is ‘Best of Seven’, because it sounds like a music-off between bicycle bells and a stream train. But in a really awesome way.

It is a challenging album. It’s not exactly the sort of music you’d put on in the background while you do other tasks. But it’s because it’s an album that demands attention – to fully appreciate it, you need to surrender yourself to the calamity. It’s an experience. And an experience I think would be ridiculously amazing live – especially because there is an accompanying light show. They are touring Australia later this month, so check them out for yourselves. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. Even if it’s just for the lights.

Thursday 28th April @ FORMAT (SA) – 15 Peel Street, Adelaide. More info and tix available at: http://format.net.au/

Friday 29th April @ THE WORKERS CLUB (VIC) – Cnr. Brunswick and Gertrude Streets, Fitzroy. More info and tix available at: http://theworkersclub.com.au/

Saturday 30th April SUGAR MOUNTAIN @ THE FORUM (VIC) – 154 Flinders Street, Melbourne w/ Young Magic, YellowFever, Virgo, Otouto, Oscar & Martin, Collarbones, NoZu, Qua + more TBA. More info and tix available at: http://www.sugarmountainfestival.com/

Thursday 5th May WOODLAND (QLD) – Coniston Lane, Fortitude Valley. More info and tix available at: http://woodlandbar.com/

Friday 6th May RED RATTLER (NSW) – 6 Faversham Street, Marrickville. More info and tix available at: http://www.redrattler.org/