Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Nick Cave who? This might be what you’re thinking when you first listen to Montreal’s indie rock band The First Second. But give it another listen. And then another. It’s at that time that you’ll fully realize its true genius. Arranged with violin, guitar, drums, and bass, this self-titled debut is enigmatic. At times you’ll find yourself disturbed with its schizophrenic “Ego” or maniacal “Speak and Spell”. Often though you’ll be refused admission to the categorization line because this is one album that dodges all stereotypes without sounding forced. Underneath all those layers is something magical that really demands to be showcased.
- J-Sin - Smother.net
Nick Cave who? This might be what you’re thinking when you first listen to Montreal’s indie rock band The First Second. But give it another listen. And then another. It’s at that time that you’ll fully realize its true genius. Arranged with violin, guitar, drums, and bass, this self-titled debut is enigmatic. At times you’ll find yourself disturbed with its schizophrenic “Ego” or maniacal “Speak and Spell”. Often though you’ll be refused admission to the categorization line because this is one album that dodges all stereotypes without sounding forced. Underneath all those layers is something magical that really demands to be showcased.
- J-Sin - Smother.net
Deep penetrating vocals catch you by the ears and lure you deep into this self-titled album. With a basic soft "rock" sound, THE FIRST SECOND produces some topnotch quality music that is easily digestible AND favorable to listen to over and over again. This isn't some standard Top 40's rock band, though their music could be played on mainstream radio stations world wide and fit like a glove. It's so much better than the bubble gum pop that's already out there tarnishing real music, such as the music found on this CD. I have a feeling this is one of those epic bands where 50 years from now their music will still be fashionable to listen to. THE FIRST SECOND is definitely going on my top 10 favorite list for this year. [Wednesday Elektra - Space Junkies Magazine
Deep penetrating vocals catch you by the ears and lure you deep into this self-titled album. With a basic soft "rock" sound, THE FIRST SECOND produces some topnotch quality music that is easily digestible AND favorable to listen to over and over again. This isn't some standard Top 40's rock band, though their music could be played on mainstream radio stations world wide and fit like a glove. It's so much better than the bubble gum pop that's already out there tarnishing real music, such as the music found on this CD. I have a feeling this is one of those epic bands where 50 years from now their music will still be fashionable to listen to. THE FIRST SECOND is definitely going on my top 10 favorite list for this year. [Wednesday Elektra - Space Junkies Magazine
A Montreal-based band that plays a unique sort of progressive melancholic and modern sort of rock that it is quite hard to put under one genre. Leadvocalist Jessejames Locorriere (yeas - he´s a son of Dr Hooks vocalist Dennis) has a voice somewhere between Michael Stipe in REM, Nick Cave and Matthew Good. Theatrically driven vocals is another way to put it... Accompanied by drums, bass and violin the sound is as I wrote earlier hard to explain so I can just recommend you to check them out at their homepage and take a listen yourself. A proper alternative to ´alternative´ in it´s style and if you are an open minded musicfreak (and proglover) you might and probably will enjoy this theatrical sort of "modern" rock...
- Melodic.net
A Montreal-based band that plays a unique sort of progressive melancholic and modern sort of rock that it is quite hard to put under one genre. Leadvocalist Jessejames Locorriere (yeas - he´s a son of Dr Hooks vocalist Dennis) has a voice somewhere between Michael Stipe in REM, Nick Cave and Matthew Good. Theatrically driven vocals is another way to put it... Accompanied by drums, bass and violin the sound is as I wrote earlier hard to explain so I can just recommend you to check them out at their homepage and take a listen yourself. A proper alternative to ´alternative´ in it´s style and if you are an open minded musicfreak (and proglover) you might and probably will enjoy this theatrical sort of "modern" rock...
- Melodic.net
Guitarist Stacy Burns and vocalist/lyricist Jessejames Locorriere offer ten original and distinctive tunes on this self-titled debut, one more trippy then another. At times completely enigmatic, moments later it seems strangely familiar. Worthy of and demanding of several focused listens to extract the full effect.
Think 21st century Frank Zappa with a rock opera feel. Most of these tracks are very atmospheric, with an alluring underlying madness, accompanied by drums, bass, and the very noteworthy Ingrid Wissink’s violin. Standout tracks include “Speak and Spell,” which travels nicely through some fairly familiar ground before surprising you with a fullout gypsy turn. Repeated listenings reveal Wissink’s tender warnings, but the twist is sweeter for the surprise.
Locorriere’s vocals are for the most part melancholic, theatrical and original; see opener “Ego” for dark, looming overtones. His lyrics contain some very clever word plays, again not so much hidden as covert. The impressive title leads you to expect a certain amount of brainpower, and you won’t be disappointed. The slightly dissonant ”A Blaze” includes the thoughtful line, “wishful drinking never gets me anywhere,” and “Night and Day” contains a shrewd little twist too.
A deliberate ambivalence hovers over many cuts, Zappa-like, but I enjoy them most when they cut loose with more straightforward momentum, as in the bright and trippy “Thugs.” The strangely moving, dark “Fin” must be mentioned for its extraordinary juxtaposition of graceful strings, raging vocals, and piercing guitars, not to mention the repeated “trout” references throughout. Hey, you don’t have to completely comprehend it to enjoy it; often it only complicates things. Overall, an interesting and thoughtful debut.
- Indie-Music.com
Guitarist Stacy Burns and vocalist/lyricist Jessejames Locorriere offer ten original and distinctive tunes on this self-titled debut, one more trippy then another. At times completely enigmatic, moments later it seems strangely familiar. Worthy of and demanding of several focused listens to extract the full effect.
Think 21st century Frank Zappa with a rock opera feel. Most of these tracks are very atmospheric, with an alluring underlying madness, accompanied by drums, bass, and the very noteworthy Ingrid Wissink’s violin. Standout tracks include “Speak and Spell,” which travels nicely through some fairly familiar ground before surprising you with a fullout gypsy turn. Repeated listenings reveal Wissink’s tender warnings, but the twist is sweeter for the surprise.
Locorriere’s vocals are for the most part melancholic, theatrical and original; see opener “Ego” for dark, looming overtones. His lyrics contain some very clever word plays, again not so much hidden as covert. The impressive title leads you to expect a certain amount of brainpower, and you won’t be disappointed. The slightly dissonant ”A Blaze” includes the thoughtful line, “wishful drinking never gets me anywhere,” and “Night and Day” contains a shrewd little twist too.
A deliberate ambivalence hovers over many cuts, Zappa-like, but I enjoy them most when they cut loose with more straightforward momentum, as in the bright and trippy “Thugs.” The strangely moving, dark “Fin” must be mentioned for its extraordinary juxtaposition of graceful strings, raging vocals, and piercing guitars, not to mention the repeated “trout” references throughout. Hey, you don’t have to completely comprehend it to enjoy it; often it only complicates things. Overall, an interesting and thoughtful debut.
- Indie-Music.com
Discography
Self titled debut self released in 2005 and available at www.thefirstsecond.com
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
The First Second is a Montreal based band with a modern yet organic sound. It slowly began in 2003 when guitarist Stacy Burns started writing music for a vision he’d had a long time. He always played the role of heavy rocker in his past projects and this time wanted to get in touch with the sweeter, softer side of music while still retaining the “heavy” emotions that rock had brought him. So, the acoustic guitar was removed from its dusty case and the music was written. The result was simple acoustic blueprints creating a charmingly melancholic, unsettled and circus-like atmosphere. Now who would possibly feel comfortable singing over this stuff…
It became obvious to Stacy. He would have to track down charismatic lead singer Jessejames Locorriere. He and Stacy had both lived in New York City in the 90’s, during which time they performed in several heavy rock bands together. Jessejames is no stranger to the world of entertainment. He has an extensive performance background that includes acting for television and theatre in NYC. His musical background includes growing up as a son of Dennis Locorriere, lead singer of the group Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show.
When Stacy finally located him, Jessejames was living and acting in Los Angeles. Stacy flew to L.A. and he and Jessejames arranged the music. Jessejames penned the lyrics and soon the two were together in Montreal recording the debut album of The First Second. The result was warm and rich instrumentation peppered with theatrically driven vocals.
Accompanied by drums, bass and violin, the pair was back together on stage in 2004 where they rekindled the chemistry they shared in their NYC days. They knew they had something fresh and original. This is The First Second.
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