A.A.A (EP)
| A.A.A | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| EP by A.A.A | ||||
| Released | August 5, 2019 | |||
| Recorded | 2019 | |||
| Studio | Blackstar Studios | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 24:00 | |||
| Label | Indie | |||
| Producer |
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| Brymo chronology | ||||
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A.A.A is the eponymous debut extended play by Nigerian alternative rock band A.A.A.[1][2] It was recorded at Blackstar Studios in Ikoyi and released independently on August 5, 2019.[3] The band is composed of singer Brymo, guitarist Jad Moukarim, drummer Adey Omotade, and bassist Laughter.[4] A.A.A comprises five tracks and is a fusion of folk music, psychedelic rock and African rhythms; it was mixed and mastered by Mikky Me Joses.[4]
Composition[edit]
On the folk and rock-tinged opening track "Johnbull", Brymo introduces listeners to a nominal character who left home in search of a better life.[5][6] The song features an electric guitar riff by Jad Moukarim, and its title is derived from a popular nursery rhyme.[5] The rock-infused track "Mary Had an Orgasm" is about a titular lady who ends up having sexual relations with a man she hires to show her around the city.[5] The Lagos Review's Adeola Juwon said the song makes reference to the female genitalia and acknowledged it for being "brazenly explicit".[7]
In the soulful ballad "Take Me Back to November", Brymo pleads to be taken back to a time when he had the trust of a loved one; the song also depicts a time when his relationship with the person was in good standing.[8][5] In "Golden Eyes", Brymo is haunted by the ghost of the dead relationship depicted in the previous track.[5] On the EP's closing track "The in-Between", he encourages listeners to keep persevering, pushing and striving.[5]
Critical reception[edit]
A.A.A received positive reviews from music critics. A writer for Filter Free Nigeria awarded the EP 4.3 stars out of 5, praising its sound curation, production, thematic style and lyrics.[8] The writer also said the EP "carries Brymo away from the enclosure of his usual sound to a slightly more upbeat realm while still maintaining the otherworldliness of his lyrics".[8] Adewojumi Aderemi of Konbini Channels called A.A.A a "universal body of work" and characterized it as a "refreshing exploration of a plethora of sounds that we simply aren't used to hearing".[6] Music critic Michael Kolawole said A.A.A is a "decent experimental piece, a litmus test that foretells what Brymo’s next project may sound like. It's a show of Brymo tenacity, a testament to his songwriting skill and vocal phrasing".[5]
In a review for The Lagos Review, Adeola Juwon praised the EP's production, lyricism, and Brymo's songwriting. Moreover, Juwon said the record "dwells on loss, relationships in their dying stages, and unrequited love".[7]
Track listing[edit]
All tracks are written by Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ and co-produced by A.A.A and Mikky Me Joses
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Johnbull" | 5:25 |
| 2. | "Mary Had an Orgasm" | 4:05 |
| 3. | "Take Me Back to November" | 3:23 |
| 4. | "Golden Eyes" | 4:08 |
| 5. | "The in-Between" | 7:14 |
| Total length: | 24:00 | |
Personnel[edit]
Credits adapted from a press release posted on Jaguda.com.[3]
- Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ – lead vocals, production (all tracks)
- Jad Moukarim – lead guitar, production (all tracks)
- Adey Omotade – drums, production (all tracks)
- Laughter – bass guitar, production (all tracks)
- Mikky Me Joses – mixing, mastering, additional production (all tracks)
Release history[edit]
| Region | Date | Format | Version | Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | August 5, 2019 | Digital download | Standard | Independent |
References[edit]
- ^ Notiki Bello (August 8, 2019). "Brymo Teams up with Skata Vibration on new "A.A.A" EP". Filter Free Nigeria. Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- ^ "A.A.A - EP by A.A.A". Apple Music. August 5, 2019. Archived from the original on 25 January 2020. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- ^ a b "Brymo – AAA (EP)". Jaguda. 5 August 2019. Archived from the original on 7 September 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
- ^ a b Michael Bamidele (6 August 2019). "Brymo Unveils New Band, Releases New E.P "A.A.A"". Guardian Life. Archived from the original on 7 August 2019. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g Kolawole Michael (28 August 2019). "Brymo's EP AAA is a decent experimental piece". Medium. Archived from the original on 25 January 2020. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
- ^ a b Adewojumi Aderemi (May 8, 2019). "Brymo Introduces Us To His New Band With A Stellar Self-Titled EP, 'A.A.A'". Konbini Channels. Archived from the original on 25 January 2020. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- ^ a b Adeola Juwon (August 26, 2021). "Review: A.A.A's self-titled is an emotive body of work - and Brymo hits all the right notes". Afrocritik. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ^ a b c "Brymo & Skata Vibration as A.A.A are the real A Team". Filter Free Nigeria. October 1, 2019. Archived from the original on 27 April 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2020.