College Times

Media Credit: Courtesy Wednesday Records

First to Leave’s debut is a better than average foray into emo-infuenced pop-punk. With producer J. Robbins providing a sound that’s equal parts glossy and raw, the band works hard to blend the melodrama and melodies present in so many emo bands with a rhythmic delivery that speaks to a large melodic hardcore influence. Not surprisingly, it’s those hardcore elements that give the album its best moments. Opener “The Saving Cycle” is great out of the gate, with great pop-punk guitar melodies, double-time hardcore beats, group chants and a powerful half-speed breakdown. “My Aim Is True,” while not at all related to anything Elvis Costello did, follows that up with some of the best melodies on the album, again married with fast-paced drumming as well as a great bass line. After that, though, the album loses some steam with repetition and cliché. The band locks in on similar sounding melodies and beats, even as the tempos slow down to a more mainstream emo style, while singer Matt Foster gets increasing melodramatic and whiny with lyrics that skirt the fine line of abysmal.

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