Spotlight: The First

The British music scene is extremely diverse and creative, pretty much brimming with talent. When rock first flourished in Britain, it produced legends in rock history, bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. They became the spearheads in the “British Invasion” during the 60’s and opened the eyes of the British - and global - masses.

In the 70’s, as rock was becoming immensely popular, bands like the Clash and Sex Pistols paved the way for future rock bands' journey's to international fame, encouraging a worldwide passion for the genre. Despite most popular bands nowadays falling into the pop rock category, there are still talented bands that are yet to be discovered throughout Britain.

Although described as a "melodic rock band" on their website, up-and-coming band, The First falls into the pop-punk subgenre of rock. The First hails from Norfolk, and is steadily rising in the British music scene. Their first album, Swimming with Sharks, has a heavy and hardcore punk element to it especially the intro. It makes you feel like you want to bob your head to the beat and it just shows that the next few songs are going to be the same.

True enough; the proceeding songs on the album have the same electrifying quality as the intro. Kicks and Sit Tight are perfect examples of this - the lyrics and beat of both songs are addictive and catchy, and lead the listener into a heavier punk rock sound. Although the songs are good, they become repetitive once you get used to it. Overall, The First is a band to watch out for, switching from harmonious vocals to screams with an effortlessness that rivals the likes of legends. Swimming with Sharks is definitely an album that will leave you wanting for more.

As mentioned above, there are bands yet to be discovered and heard and the First is one of them. Instead of listening to pop rock bands, we can take the time off to listen to some unknown bands. These bands have the raw talent and passion for music that hasn’t been touched. Their passion is what drives them to pursue music even though the road to success seems bleak. So if you have any unknown bands that you’d like to share with other people, then do so! These bands need all the support they can get.