Epitaph signed From First To Last on the basis of this EP and to tell the truth it’s not too difficult to see why. Fast and furious riffs, the odd bloodcurdling scream and huge dollops of melody, FFTL are exactly what is ‘in’ at the moment. While originality is not high on the agenda (A Static Lullaby could well have fathered this band, such is the similarity in sound), the execution is particularly impressive. It’s generic screamo (groan) Jim, but done better than we know it.
Released on New York label Four Leaf Recordings last year, tracks like ‘Such A Tragedy’ and ‘For The Taking’ have huge choruses that will have you singing along in no time. The latter comes across a bit like Halifax, who will probably explode across the Pond this year. There’s nothing new at all with what FFTL do, but the songs are well executed and the sound is reasonably thick and well produced. To quote the emo checklist, it would seem all the relevant bits are in place, including the floppy hair and black t-shirts if the promo pics are anything to go by.
‘Regrets and Romance’ and ‘When Flying Feels Like Falling’ are really solid tracks that impress, but this won’t convert anyone who is vocal in their displeasure at the bands who seemingly come straight from the emo factory, conveyor belt stylee. From First To Last save the best for the end mind you, with the crushing ‘My Heart Your Hands‘ highly impressive indeed. Hard-hitting drums combine with palm-muted riffs to come up with huge melodies. It’s all interespersed with screams, but that chorus has a huge hook which will pull you in – like it or not.
I’ve been positive despite the fact there is nothing new at all on offer here. It’s been done before, bettered by the ‘heavyweight’ bands like Taking Back Sunday, but the songs have enough about them to warrant repeated listens. It won’t change your life, but for fans of the genre From First To Last are a band I’d recommend you check out.
www.fromfirsttolast.com
Four Leaf Recordings
Paul