“A Is For Ape” I thought, “Irony perhaps..?” Unfortunately not, it seems as though this band is lacking some serious things, common sense is probably something that instantly stands out apart from an awkwardly stupid name. Whoever told these boys that Ska and Emo were the best of friends did them no favours, title track and new single demonstrates some painfully strained vocals and rushed brass work, surely a formula for disaster and it is.
Sadly, the first song isn’t A is for Ape’s best foot forward, last track “End of an Era (Don’t Go)” stands out as a credible track against the other two with its clear reggae beats, this final track is less of the boyish pop punk ska and more of the beats and rhythm that make up a good song. The vocals are undoubtedly the bands point of weakness, it is the cheeky but on key vocals which spur on the Offspring’s ska punk style and A is for Ape is lacking the important credentials which make a band of their genre viable to the public. Ska rock is not yet set to make any kind of comeback; perhaps A is for Ape should learn a few more letters of the alphabet song before releasing anything more.

By Charlotte Austin

Release Date: Out Now
Label: Unsigned
www.myspace.com/aisforape