Anyone who has been through periods of turmoil knows that peace can be disconcerting.
Still the members of From First to Last [FFTL], a post-hardcore band formed in 2002 are still adjusting to the environmental shift that arguably peaked in 2007 when vocalist Sonny Moore left to pursue solo work.
“Things are pretty stable which is [unsettling] because everyone?s been through the ringer,” said drummer Derek Bloom. “Things have never been this easy.”
Bloom credits the group?s signing last year with Suretone Records at the request of founder and chairman Jordan Schur, who also manages the band. Suddenly the group moved from just another van on the road to one that opened for The Cure and could count on promotional and technical support.
The positive support is evident on the band?s new, self-titled CD slated to be released at the end of last month. Gone are the songs with somewhat disconnected themes and a lot of the screaming. Instead this 11-track album returns the bands to the post hard-core sound that first perked up the ears of music industry insiders.
Perhaps that?s due to the band?s return to its core line up with co-founding guitarist Matt Good taking over vocal duties. Certainly credit is due producer Josh Abraham who has worked the boards for Velvet Revolver, Linkin Park, and other notable bands.
That?s not to say the band?s past work wasn?t notable; certainly that work won fans and kudos, even if it lacked the consistency ? or signature voice ? of the band?s latest work.
Yet Bloom and his bandmates know their fans still covet their past sound and will showcase plenty of the music in the upcoming show. Yet, Bloom makes it clear that the band is on a revised course and is anxious for its fans to follow.
IF YOU GO
Sub City Take Action Tour featuring Every Time I Die; From First to Last; The Bled; The Human Abstract
Venue: Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, Baltimore
When: 6 p.m. doors, Sunday
Details: $16 adv., $20 day of show; 410-547-SEAT
