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A

Hi-Fi Serious
2002
London

A - Hi-Fi Serious (Cover Artwork)

Review by: Tom Adriany
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Published on May 17th 2002

I first came in contact with this band some time ago when a friend introduced me to their disc called 'Vs. monkey kong', which nearly blew me off my feet. I mean: at first it was kind of heard getting used to Jason Perry's voice, which was still kinda edgy and of a high-pitched tone at the time. But after a few listening spans I got attuned to it and got to enjoy the energetic music underneath. An extended period of time went by and I must admit I lost track of the band altogether. You can imagine my surprise when i saw the video of ''Nothing" on a local TV-station a few weeks back. From then on, i have been awaiting this release with eager anticipation.

There's too little space here to write about the history of this band, so I'll try to be brief. for some reason, this band has never gotten through to the large public, although their discography is quite large already and features some excellent songs. Even their home-crowd in the UK seemed to ignore them except for a handfull of trustworthy followers, leaving the band with no other option to tour the USA for the largest part, and it is a thing that clearly reflects upon their music. I must admit that I wasn't all that impressed when i first heard this album, but it's one of those releases that you have to give the chance to grow on you.

With this release, it's all about the details, which make for one amazingly harmonious and melodic disc. I don't know if you can categorize this one in the ''Punkrock" genre, or even in the "pop-punk" genre, but really, who am I to tag bands as being of that or this style? It's just a fact that this album treats you to 12 potential singles that will haunt you for days while they ricochet somewhere in that brain of yours where all those sweet melodies are stored. A is a rock band that is not afraid of taking risks, while graciously maintaining their self-respect. It's a combination that is bound to pay off, and I won't be the one to deny them the opportunities that are unfolding before them.

Musically, Perry's voice has matured since those early days, leaving room for much more natural sounding vocals with a greater range. Highlights of the album are: "Nothing", the hit single everyone will undoubtedly recognize, "Something's Going On", which basically reminds me of the Foo fighters at times, ''Starbucks" which is bound to be another hit-single with its killer chorus, pounding guitar-riffs and excellent vocals.

Let it be noted that A is now on top of their usual mix of punk guitars, electronic samples and melodies, blended in with some serious US rock riffage and intensity to their sound that demands your attention from the get go, allthough there are a few ''weaker'' tracks on the album, it shouldn't hold you back from bying this one.

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 at 4:13 AM (EST)
My Score:

A rocks! =)

Posted by pasha on 2005-10-24 14:54:52
My Score:

great cd, a band that knows how to use a synth

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 at 8:56 AM (EDT)
My Score:

really good album with great riffs and choruses

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 5, 2004 at 4:20 PM (EST)
My Score:

What are you idiots on! Nothing is the worst song in the world! but the rest of the album is great! Starbucks is probably one of the best songs in Britain except for If I Could by Hundred Reasons!

Posted by AtticusRob on 2003-08-20 07:53:14
My Score:

Fuckin Great Band, Fucking Great Album

People say they dont like em even if they havent heard them... very sad

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 at 8:54 AM (EDT)
My Score:

I would hardly say 'A' have gone new metal! If you took the time to listen to ANYTHING else by this band, then you would see they are simply experimenting (this isn't aimed at reviewer)There's nothing wrong with a bit of pop-punk, which is how i could class the bands music as a whole

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 24, 2002 at 4:43 AM (EDT)
My Score:

A, Blah they fucking suck.
And Jason Perry....just plain annoying.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 21, 2002 at 6:50 PM (EDT)
My Score:

fucking shit!

oh dear!

A fucking suck!

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 20, 2002 at 4:53 PM (EDT)
My Score:

awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful awful

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 20, 2002 at 3:00 AM (EDT)
My Score:

A is seriously annoying- they pretty much try and cover all the year's hip trends, from pop-punk to nu-metal to eating your own feces.
Oops, did I say that out loud?

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, May 18, 2002 at 2:28 PM (EDT)
My Score:

'A' stands for awful.
I cant believe how bad these guys are. Jason Perry's voice is just annoying!!

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, May 18, 2002 at 12:41 PM (EDT)
My Score:

noooooooooooooo, seriously. this band are just plain awful. over here in the UK they have a VERY bad name. they used to be down to earth and have a punky attitude, then they turned nu-metal. awful, just plain awful. an embarrassment to britain.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 17, 2002 at 3:57 PM (EDT)
My Score:

This album is decent I suppose, very catchy hooks and shout along lyrics, but what the hell is the nu-metal shit for? BAH!

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 17, 2002 at 1:32 PM (EDT)
My Score:

This album is really good, as are their debut 'How Ace Are Buildings' and their sophmore effort 'Vs. Monkey Kong' mentioned above. I first saw them 4 years ago in a tiny pit infront of a capacity crowd, they blew me away, they're fun but not childish and serious at the same time. They have a distinctive sound which is mainly due to Jason Perry's voice which could annoy some people but it grows on you. It may be worth checking out a few songs first, 'Starbucks' is a good example, as is 'Nothing' don't be put off by how heavy this sounds. This band traverse many genres and all of their albums are distinctive.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 17, 2002 at 9:48 AM (EDT)
My Score:

I love A.
That is all.

-Chris G.