CD Review
Artist: From First To Last
Album: From First To Last
Label: Suretone Records
Release Date: May 6, 2008 

Reviewed by Alexander Hutt (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada)

If you have ever heard of Senses Fail or are a fan of them, you will appreciate this contribution from From First to Last, whose sound is similar. Both bands practice hard-edged, alternative rock that will appeal to your emotions.  However, the lack of originality is one of the knocks against this latest release from the band. For while the tracks are alive and energetic, most of them have the same basic rhythm. The range of music is not a hugely successful aspect of the CD, but nevertheless it is a fun journey for the ear. "Medicinal Reality" is one of the tracks that is truly memorable, complete with a catchy melody that fits frontman Matt Good's smooth voice. Despite the song's simple title, the meaning behind the lyrics is not nearly as simple as it first appears. The lyrics are a contributing factor to the feel of the CD, as they go beyond the standard rock lyrics you might find in the recycle bin. "Tick Tock Tommorow" is another exemplary track, with riffs from electric guitars that will have you head nodding or banging in time to the song.   

This release is the first for the band without vocalist/frontman Sonny Moore, who departed after Heroine, due to health-related issues. At the time, breaking apart the band crossed the minds of the remaining members, however, Matt Good stepped forward and took the reins. As such, Good's passion shines through in his vocals (which he doesn't stress his voice, but inputs some emotion), but still it is inevitable that some listeners will compare him to Moore. Even so, the bands resilience is transferred to From First To Last, which is also their first record with their new label, Suretone Records, due to the fact that Capitol Records dropped them after the departure of Moore.

The only significant detriment to From First To Last is the lack of variety in the tracks, and as such it plays not unlike one large, forty-minute long song. The only breaks in this continuous song are the tracks that I have mentioned above. The addition of "In Memoriam In Advance" as a closing track feels too short for closure and/or a closing statement. Using it as an epilogue to the CD doesn't seem right either.  

Despite this, the new self-titled album From First to Last is an enjoyable listen that old and new fans will enjoy - but not revel in. The album was officially released on May 6^th, 2008, and is available in stores now.

   1. "Two as One" - 3:21
   2. "The Other Side" - 3:41
   3. "Worlds Away" - 4:03
   4. "We All Turn Back to Dust" - 4:01
   5. "Medicinal Reality" - 3:09
   6. "A Perfect Mess" - 4:24
   7. "Tick Tick Tomorrow" - 3:27
   8. "Deliverance!" - 3.40
   9. "I Once Was Lost, But Now Am Profound" - 3:39
  10. "Be-Headed (Marathon Man)" - 3:43
  11. "In Memorium in Advance" - 1:58