A

A are a British alternative rock band from Suffolk, United Kingdom. They form in 1995 and remain active. Their music is usually described as alternative rock, hard rock and pop punk, and they are also associated with rock, punk rock, alternative and punk.

Formation and line-up

The band begins as Grand Designs before changing name to A and moving away from an early progressive-influenced style towards a more punk-oriented sound. The original line-up consists of the three Perry brothers: Jason Perry on vocals, Adam Perry on drums and Giles Perry on keyboards, joined by Mark Chapman on guitar and Steve Swindon on bass. Swindon leaves in 1997 and Daniel P. Carter replaces him. The group also includes John Mitchell in its later membership.

Albums and singles

A release their debut album, How Ace Are Buildings, in 1997. Their second album, A vs. Monkey Kong, follows in 1999 and presents a more pop-influenced direction. Hi-Fi Serious appears in 2002 and includes their biggest single, Nothing, which reaches the UK top ten and peaks at number 9. Another top 20 single from the album is Starbucks, named after the coffee chain.

Their fourth album, Teen Dance Ordinance, is released in 2005. It is recorded two years earlier, but its release is delayed by Jason Perry’s illness and record company disputes. Afterward, the band’s profile returns to cult status.

Career activity

Following the release of Teen Dance Ordinance, Warner drops the band in 2006 because of poor sales. A then go on hiatus from 2006 to 2008, before returning to play shows supporting The Wildhearts. They continue touring and writing new material from 2009 onwards.

The band tours internationally and plays festivals, with particular success in Germany. On the tour after Hi-Fi Serious, they play their largest venues to that point, including a headline show at Brixton Academy as part of the Inner-City Sumo Tour.