E.P. Review: First Draft - Declines Are Long Gone
Reviewed by Neil Bolton
With this new E.P., First Draft aim to display their talent for the post-rock/shoegaze sound, while adding a sprinkle of brit pop into the mix of French alt rock. They are a duo consisting of Marine Arnoult and Clément Douam. They aspire to examine a world of contradictions and humanity with their technically proficient sound scape. Led by Marine who perfectly carries out the task of both drummer and vocalist at the same time.
This band have been playing music since 2016 and their technically demanding, exacting sound has been witnessed on stage by audiences who marvel in the sound that these two can create. 'Declines Are Long Gone' opens this collection of five tunes in glorious fashion. Marine’s beautiful voice does not suffer while carrying out technical drum patterns and shapes. The tune flows and ebbs with energy and character building on a shared passion for musicianship.
Track two, 'A Chapter On Each Page' begins with a calm precise drum sound creating a perfect bed for the vocals that float in the air. This is a far less bouncy tune that lets the singer tell her tale with the instruments content in creating a bright atmosphere. This backdrop then bursts into a loud heavenly mix of vocals and music. 'Time Hails No Suns' and 'Kneel Down In Silence' are impressive emotional tunes dripping in talent with signs of a bond between members and many hours of practice. The sound that this pair can lovingly create is warm and soul-stirring.
The final number 'Obey The Rhyme' once more lets the clean impressive female voice glide over the tune until the music joins. The feeling is again angst ridden and emotional. The song speeds up, the pressure builds, and the music erupts in to a marvellous display of alt rock and sentiment.
The vocal prowess and drumming talent on display is glorious. The accompanying guitars and keyboards are of the same quality helping First Draft produce sounds that are artistically both dark and light.
