aAnd?: The Story

aAnd? was born out of a need to channel raw energy into something that could speak louder than words. Dan (vocals), having spent years traveling the world, returned to Bournemouth in 2006 with a sense of urgency that was both personal and reflective of the world around him. His time on the road had shown him the dark undercurrents of society — from corrupt political systems to personal disillusionment — and he needed an outlet for all the frustration and anger he’d accumulated. Music, always a constant in his life, became his weapon of choice.

In the early days, aAnd? was a solo project, with Dan taking on the bulk of the songwriting. What started as a one-man operation soon morphed into something heavier, darker, and more intense than he initially imagined. The sound was aggressive, fueled by a blend of Deathcore, Grindcore, and metal influences — heavy guitars, pounding drums, and vocals that were as much about shouting in defiance as they were about abject rage. This raw, brutal energy became the foundation of aAnd, and from the start, the music had a singular mission: to confront the world head-on.

The band’s early songs, like “Innit” and “Last of the summer swine,” were musically intense, riff-drenched tracks about alienation, sexism, and systemic injustice. These were not the anthems of hope and escape you often hear in metal circles; they were tracks that demanded attention, pulling listeners into a storm of noise and anger. Dan brought in various collaborators, including friends from the local Bournemouth scene, to bring his vision to life. The lineup was and is always fluid. Without the constraints of pressure, different musicians came and went, but the intensity and anger of the music remained unwavering.

The turning point came in 2018, when Ben (guitar) joined aAnd?, solidifying the project into a more stable lineup. Ben’s razor-sharp guitar riffs and wall-of-sound approach gave the band a new level of heaviness, propelling their sound deeper into the realms of heaviness. Together, Dan and Ben began to develop a style that was both aggressive and intricate, balancing relentless, groove-laden guitars with rhythmic complexity. Their 2018 EP, ‘wWoof’, was a turning point — an EP full of blistering tracks that were heavier and more politically charged than anything aAnd? had done before. Songs like “Bear Hugs” and “sSimpleSimon” were fiery protests, tackling issues like income inequality, environmental destruction, and the rise of authoritarianism.

In 2020, the band was joined by Marty (bass), whose deep, thunderous basslines and complex techniques added a new layer of weight to the music. Marty’s playing was grounded and unrelenting, locking in with the drums and giving the band’s sound a thick, earth-shaking presence. The 2021 Single,”dDuck”, was a declaration of intent: aAnd? wasn’t just a band — they were a force of nature. Their music was aggressive and confronting, but it was also an exploration of deeper themes — the collapse of societal structures, the failure of systems to protect those in need, and the anger that arises when those in power remain unchecked. The band’s live shows became known for their intensity, where each song felt like an unfiltered outpouring of rage, each performance a cathartic release for both the band and their audience.

By 2023, David (drums) joined aAnd?, and with his arrival, the band’s sound became even more devastatingly tight. David’s drumming added additional complexity and precision, giving the band a dynamic range they hadn’t explored before. The drums were no longer just a backdrop to the noise — they became an integral part of the band’s musical identity, driving the heavy, riff-inspired rhythms and giving each song a pulse that could be felt in the bones. The 2024 release, “Escape”, was a sonic onslaught which blended crushing heaviness with intricate, almost mechanical rhythms, exploring themes of social pressure, and the looming threat of global mental collapse.