What is the best kind of music sundae? It's kind of hard to describe the music sundae that is From First To Last. They have had many line-up changes even changed their name, yet still seemed to keep their core idea, to make gorgeous music that would entrance their fans and bring in new fans alike. From First To Last is a wonderful band that I would encourage you all to listen to. In my opinion, they are one of the best bands I have ever heard. Yes I am telling you how great they are, but keep in mind they are PG-13 rated, ask you parents before you listen. :)
From First To Last, sometimes known as FFTL, is an American post-hardcore band. In 2002, From First To Last was formed by Matt Good and Travis Ritchter in their hometown of Orlando, Florida. Eventually a solid line-up was formed with vocalist Phillip Reardon, guitarist Richter, guitarist Good, bassist Joey Antillon, and drummer Derek Bloom. Their original name was First Too Last. The band relocated and changed their name. Along with the name, their sound changed from pop-punk to more of a post-hardcore sound they have now.
The band released their first EP, titled Aesthetic, in 2003 with their first lead vocalist Phillip Reardon under Four Leaf Recordings and by the end of the year they had signed to Epitaph. Jon Weisberg replaced Antillon on bass before they left for their tour. After Aesthetic, Reardon was asked to leave the band for various reasons and after Antillon was arrested for shoplifting he was unable to tour. Good would have been able to take lead vocals after Reardon left, but felt that the band needed a front man that would connect with the crowd better.
Through the wonderful world of Myspace the band became in contact with a guitarist from California by the name of Sonny Moore. He was originally placed as the second guitarist, but they later after they heard him singing backup, they decided he was better suited for lead singer. My Teen Angst Has A Body Count was released later that year, on June 29, 2004.
2005 brought the Dead by Dawn tour to From First to Last, along with bands like Halifax and He Is Legend. Pulling a much-expected FFTL move, they didn't just stop with one tour. All the way from March to the middle of May, the guys toured with some pretty well known names, like Fall Out Boy and The All-American Rejects in the tour aptly titled Black Clouds and Underdogs Tour.
From First to Last was finally ready to give their fans some new music. Before they went into the studio with Ross Robinson, producing this sophomore album, they had a quick line-up change. Their bassist Jon Weisberg stepped out of the FFTL circle do to relationship problems, and in need of a quick substitute, Robinson called in Wes Borland to record with the band. Even though From First to Last had remarkable success with their first albums, Aesthetic and Dear Diary My Teen Angst Has a Body Count, they planned to outdo themselves on this record. Heroine was no let down.
The title of the album, Heroine, is not to be mistaken with the drug, heroin. Heroine, meaning female hero, was an odd choice for the band, but that didn't stop it from being released at #25 on the Billboard album charts. Heck, the sales of Heroine exceeded 33,000 in the first week alone. Needless to say, with all the success, not even mentioning the roar of approval on the band's single, "The Latest Plague", the band was signed to their first major label, Capitol Records.
From first to Last wasted no time on setting out to tour again. The hooked onto the World Championship Tour. Maybe a little rest would have done the band some good, because shortly after they headed out to tour, Sonny once again had some vocal problems and he had to make a bow out of the tour while his band continued on. After much debate on who was to provide the vocals for the sets, Atreyu finally dropped the band.
There are so many line-up changes in bands. There always has been. Guitarists come and go, a bassist skips out here and there, drummers drift off, but it's rare that you hear a band replacing its vocalist. It doesn't seem the band would be the same without that signature voice. And yet with From First to Last, that's exactly what happened. Instead of getting kicked out, although, Sonny Moore quit on his own to pursue a solo career. The guy had talent, a unique voice, and a great personality. A solo career was a perfect fit for him. Not to say his band wasn't sad to see him go, although.
The band seems to be getting along okay, though. They have big plans for their new record, some previews of the songs already circling around the haunted halls of Myspace. They have embarked on several tours since the departure of Sonny, and sound as great as ever. Only one key part is missing. That strangled, emotional voice.
It's not like Sonny has disappeared of the planet, although. His solo career is starting to take shape, and many FFTL fans are checking it out. Sonny's new solo work should be popping up in the music world soon, so everybody watch for it. We asked Whyvillians about From First to Last, and from the few people who know about them, this is what we got:
1. What do you think of From First to Last's music?
Bluebag: I actually love their music. They're one of my favorite bands and whatnot. I have to say Dead Baby Kickball is my favorite. Haha, not really. Probably Ride the Wings of Pestilence. ;D
Athena92: I haven't listened to FFTL in a while, but I used to. Now, I think that their music is pretty emo, and that just isn't my style anymore. They're good, but I don't like them.
Kkgirl4: I haven't heard of them . . . but some of my friends have. They say that they're great!
Play2live: Well, I think that the sound of their music is ok. But the meaning isn't very clear in their songs to me.
Tfklover: I guess if I was in to screamo, I might like it. I'm not that impressed with their music; it just sounds like a bunch of banging to me. But like I said, if that's your kind of music, it's different
2. Do you think From First to Last and bands of their genre have a positive or negative effect on this generations music scene?
Bluebag: My health teacher says that is completely negative, because of all the screaming and talking about cutting and stuff. But I don't think all of it does, because half the people I know that listen to this kind of music don't cut themselves and aren't full on 'emo,' I guess would be the right word.
Athena92: In all honesty, I think that bands like From First to Last have been evolving music into a more angsty, whiny manifesto rather than lyrical and thought-evoking. Overall, I think it is a negative effect.
Kkgirl4: I was looking over some of the lyrics of this band, and they seem pretty interesting and meaningful. I'd love to listen to they're music.
Play2live: I think that, in the end, it is effecting us negatively. In fact, I just listened to one of their song's lyrics, and every four words there was cursing. And the song was about a religious holiday, Christmas. I really think that this kind of behavior, well to me, is seriously unorthodox.
Tfklover: When I hear their music the first thing that comes to my mind is ANGERRRR. Rawr, haha. I don't think that kind of music can really build you up, but to me, it's the lyrics that would affect the generation, not the genre.
3. Have you heard about FFTL frontman Sonny Moore's solo effort? If so, what do you think?
Bluebag: I haven't heard it. My friend, Jenn, says that he has some crazy emo pop music kind of thing. But I'll go listen to some now to answer this question . . . Yeah, I'm going to have to say that I don't like it much. Haha.
Athena92: I have not heard of Sonny Moore's solo effort, but I do not think that it will be very successful. Front men in bands like From First to Last are popular because of the band that they're in; it's the band that makes them, not the opposite effect.
Kkgirl4: No, I haven't.
Play2live: Sorry, haven't heard of it. :/
Tfklover: Haven't heard about it, so I can't say. =]
What do you think of our singers new solo career? Good that he left FFTL? Or bad? Either way, From First to Last have impacted so many with their post hardcore, creative over-the-top music. Does anything else really matter? This is Kindell and Emmy, out.
Kindell and Glitsygrl
