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From First to Last, 'From First to Last'

Talented emo-rockers are still struggling to find their own identity

By Kirk Miller

Metromix
May 5, 2008

Critic's Rating:

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Backstory: From First to Last is certainly one of the odder comeback stories of the year. Now on its third vocalist (founding guitarist Matt Good), the Orlando punk/emo band went from headline tours and a top 30 album to getting dropped by its label in just two years. But another reconfigured line-up and a new label means there’s hope for one of the Warped Tour crowd’s most promising newcomers…right?
 
Why you should care: In today’s post-screamo world, FFTL have successfully modified their sound to a more straightforward, melodic rock style, but still with a delectable undercurrent of rage, thanks to all-star drummer Derek Bloom. Tracks like “Worlds Away”, the more avant-garde “A Perfect Mess” and the faintly Clash-like “Deliverance!” show off a group that’s as diverse as it is catchy. That said…
 
Verdict: …the electronic undercurrents of the band's previous effort, “Heroine,” are gone, as is the personality of the group—both apparently abducted by former frontman Sonny Moore (who is working on a solo electro-pop album). “From First to Last” is an example of a strong record that lacks focus—which is why FFTL may never join the ranks of the Taking Back Sundays or My Chemical Romances of the world.
 
X-Factor: Former Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland played bass and toured with the band extensively in 2006.