by Alex Henderson Brass Construction's recording career got off to an impressive start with its self-titled debut album of 1976, and the funk-disco outfit kept the creative momentum going with its sophomore effort, Brass Construction II. But by 1977's Brass Construction III, the band was going downhill. Released in 1978, the disappointing Brass Construction IV has its moments but usually sounds mechanical and uninspired -- most of the time, Brass Construction comes across as a band that is merely going through the motions. The album's decent offerings include the sleek "Starting Tomorrow" (which contains elements of the Philadelphia International sound) and the mellow soul ballad "Sweet As Sugar." But on "Get Up," "One to One," "Pick Yourself Up," and other unimaginative tracks, Brass Construction's funk-disco formula is sounding tired and worn out. And "Perceptions (What's the Right Direction)," another weak track, incorporates elements of the Ohio Players' sound without being nearly as creative. Definitely not in a class with Brass Construction's first two albums, Brass Construction IV is for completists and no one else.