From Last to First to Last Again

Recently, From First to Last announced the April 15th, 2008 release of a new self-titled album. I have to give them credit; for all they've been through, they're still pushing their music careers. But the first track, posted on the band's myspace page, leaves something to be desired. Let's begin with the beginning.

Last year, FFTL lost its unique flair with the departure of singer/songwriter Sonny Moore to pursue his own musical endeavors. Media speculation of Moore's drug abuse and how it affected the rest of the band can also be considered an issue leading to tie-severing. In fact, Moore's vocal chord problems caused him to leave two tours mid-run. But let's be honest: Moore's unique high-pitched vocals were the driving factor behind the musical genius of FFTL.

The stylistic evolution of FFTL between their original EP, Aesthetic (sans Moore - still, not too shabby), Dear Diary: My Teen Angst Has a Bodycount (still slightly emo-sounding) and 2006's Heroine shows a forward progression that seemed unstoppable. The addition of ex-Limp Bizkit Wes Borland further pushed FFTL's sound into a category all its own. But, around the same time as the loss of Moore, Borland also departed (on apparent good terms).

Now, FFTL is pushing forward and has managed somehow to retain its loyal fan-base, as well as some positive critic feedback. I was hoping to remain a fan after Moore's departure, but once I heard the new single "Two as One," the band lost me. Like fellow emo-dabblers Saosin, FFTL's singing change has led creative, unique music into the realm of the vaguely poppy and technically-mediocre.

Then again, the first single off an album tends to be misleading. With my luck, the album will be released and every song except "Two as One" will be a musical masterpiece.

Still, I saw them live at the Canopy Club in Champaign several months ago, and I wasn't incredibly impressed. See for yourselves, as they'll be appearing on the annually unpredictable Take Action Tour in February and March.

"Insecure and underestimated. One day, I'll show the world what I can do."
- Sonny "Emo-kid" Moore