Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 05/06/2008
There's a section of rhythmic dissonance at the beginning of
"Two as One," the opening track of
From First to Last, that commands attention because it feels so off balance. In a way, it's fitting that the album opens in such a jarring, awkward manner, as it seems to be a reflection of the disc as a whole. There's plenty of volatile energy on this self-titled album, but nearly two-thirds of it feels hollow and not as urgent as
From First to Last's previous works (
Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Bodycount and
Heroine), an affliction that isn't remedied until the end. Vocalist
Matt Good may deliver the lyrics on time and in tune, but he doesn't feel them. It's a lack of passion that extends to the rest of the band as song after song depends on plodding rhythms, uninspired instrumental thrashing, and flat lyrics to get by. (One example,
"Worlds Away," depends on a plaintive, repetitious intonation of "on and on and on" to serve as a decent section of the song's chorus.) However, the most frustrating aspect of the album is its own mediocrity -- it isn't bad, but by the time it starts getting good, it's more than halfway completed. The songs on
From First to Last that contain the most innovation, the catchiest hooks, and the most vibrancy are relegated to the last part of the album, as if it was all shoved to one side. The result is a disc that drags and gets truly interesting only after it's too late to enjoy it. Starting with
"Deliverance" and continuing through
"In Memorium in Advance," the final four songs feature more energy than the rest of the album combined; the rhythm section is more limber, the vocals are more melodic and varied (where before it had been the same handful of notes combined with the same set of screams and howls), and the guitars are more aggressive. It begs the question of whether
From First to Last's final numbers were the first to be written after
Heroine, as they bear far more resemblance to that album than to anything preceding them here. It may have helped to have these pieces spread throughout the album, as it would have prevented it from being crippled by a case of too little, too late.
~Katherine Fulton, All Music Guide
Average Review:
Number of reviews: 3
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HarleyHorror
from New York
Best CD in a long time!
This band keeps getting better and better. In the last 5 years of listening to them, they've grown up and started producing amazing tunes to listen to. I'd highly recommend this CD if you have an open mind to the musical world. I know you'll like it. Even if you don't think you do, in a few days, you'll find yourself having withdrawals from the catchy tunes and need to listen to it all over again. I promise you, you will be happy with this CD.
CxMxMannequin
from Texas
Check It Out
This is an awesome cd!If their music well you'll like the music and something special that comes inside!I won't tell you what it is but i really liked it.This album will touch you with its amazing track and i hope that you will purchase this cd and yeah I purchased it .I played as soon as i got it the mail!Grab A Copy Now!
I Support From First To Last!
A reviewer
from Seattle, WA
Great Album
Everyone should buy this album because it is amazing. But what else can you expect from From First To Last? You would be doing youself a favor by buying this album.
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