Album Review: Ace Enders & A Million Different People - When I Hit The Ground

Usually when a former singer from a relatively successful band releases their first full record, comparisons are certainly going to be made to the individuals earlier work and for Ace Enders, this is no different.

'When I Hit The Ground' shows Ace Enders is someone who has grown as a person and as a artist. From the start 'Reintroduction' shows his intent to move on and to forget the past. He states he's been a ghost for the past 8 years and that he wasn't good enough. Musically the track begins slowly before ending with a upbeat pace, which perfectly leads into 'Take The Money and Run'. A track which is your standard pop-rock song but with a dark lyrical undertone.

Throughout the album their are well-written, uplifting rock songs with 'Sweeter Light'; with its charming "oh oh oh oh" chorus and 'The Only Thing I Have (The Sign)' being fine examples of this.

One of the positive features of this album is Enders' introspective lyrics, as throughout the album he questions himself, the past and the future but this is done with a sense of hope and pride with 'Where Do We Go From Here' perhaps being the most obvious example, whilst another example of this is the piano ballad 'Leader', a track which also shows Enders is socially-conscience.

For those who are familiar with Enders' earlier solo work, they will be pleased to know there are a few acoustic numbers on here. 'New Guitar' is a short, sweet tune with soft guitar plucking and Enders' atmospheric voice. Whilst 'Emergency' is your usual slow acoustic affair.

In conclusion 'When I Hit The Ground' shows Ace Enders' has perfected his niche for writing pop-rock songs and it is a skin he is comfortable in, despite the music at times being quite dreary and expected. It is the lyrical content that makes this album stand out from the usual pop-rock releases. It might have been a tough 8 years for Ace but if this has anything to go by, the next 8 years could truly see him establishing, himself as one of the best song-writers of our time.

3.5/5

'When I Hit The Ground' by Ace Enders and A Million Different People is released on March 17th thorough Vagrant/Drive-Thru Records.

Sean Reid