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Forging a Future
First to Leave
Reviewed by: Barry Scatton [Mon, May 07, 2007 @ 4:15:18 PM]
During the months after Lifetime announced their return to music it became pretty hip for practically every band under the sun short of The Bay City Rollers to announce that their music was influenced by the legendary New Jersey 5 piece. While it doesn’t appear that First To Leave hopped on that bandwagon, after spinning this disc a few times it is quite obvious as to what kind of music these Bay Area youngsters grew up listening to. Their new full-length Forging A Future further explores the east coast melodic hardcore sound they crafted with their first record Change Never Lasts . Undaunted by the rich history involved with their genre, First To Leave have most definitely avoided the sophomore slump from a musical standpoint, but ultimately, significant production issues end up keeping this disc from being a much more fufilling sonic achievement.
Right off the bat it is quite apparent that Forging A Future lacks some serious energy. The songs themselves have what it takes to remain memorable, but the production is simply flaccid. J Robbins does great work, but it is obvious that his stripped down style of production didn’t compliment the youthful, vibrant energy this band possesses at all. The guitar tones sound very thin and there are a few moments where catchy guitar licks are recorded really low in the mix. Fret not however, for it is easy to picture how this record would sound being while played in a live setting with groups of kids singing a long and that is honestly what one must keep in mind as this disc marches on.
For those who need a time-warp back to the days when Saves The Day wasn’t trying to win over pompous indie rock crowds, Forging A Future will look great sitting next to your copy of Through Being Cool . Lead singer Matt Foster’s scratchy croons compliment the dramatic guitar melodies that are piled into this disc nicely as he largely resembles an "I smoke 10 packs of Pall-Mall's a day" version of Fairweather frontman Jay Littleton. Matt’s voice gives the record a lot of character and thankfully he doesn’t fall into the stereotypical “neutered guy” pop punk voice category. The song structures are simple, fast and fun, mixing it up with plenty of “forbidden beat” shredders like the discs opener “”The Saving Cycle.” and upbeat pop-punk ditties like “Keep Moving” and “You’re The Canyons.”
First To Leave are a young band who still have a some room to grow, but aside from the production woes, Forging A Future managed to be a pretty enjoyable disc. With summer approaching this is perfect stuff to blast while cruising down the highway with the top back so pop this record in and head to Sonic with your best gal for a cool, refreshing, cherry lime-aid.
7 out of 10
RIYL: Saves The Day, The Movielife, Fairweather
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