After ten years, which includes slots at Download Festival and Slam Dunk, supporting Black Sabbath at Hyde Park, and a stunning album in the form of ‘Take Courage’, Cambridgeshire quartet The First are calling it a day. But before they sign off, they’re release one more cracking EP, entitled ‘Live Exist.’
Title track ‘Live Exist’ hits the ground running – melodic rock intertwined with Benny Salter’s soaring, elephantine vocals. Their lyrics boast “Like statues, we’re standing tall”, showing that, despite this band coming to an end, they’re still strong and nothing can beat them down.
‘Honestly’ is testament to their colossal talent; chunky riffs are combined with catchy melodies, bouncy hooks, and huge choruses, which will generate some massive sing-alongs. And then there’s ‘Years’; it’s here that Slater’s vocals really shine through, sounding very much like Young Guns Gustav Wood – self-assured and steady, they make this track stand out, layered with saucy guitar licks and slabs of confidence.
When listening to releases like this, it becomes clear how difficult it is for ‘smaller’ bands to really get up on the ladder to become something bigger and better. The First could have gone even further, but circumstances have prevented them from doing so. Cheers lads.
JESS TAGLIANI