This is my first review, so I apologize if it’s not that good.
HEROINE is From First To Last’s second full length album. This album differs a lot in sound from their first full length, “Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has A Bodycount”. Dear Diary has more of a screamo type of sound along with some pop-punkish tracks, while Heroine has more of an Indie rock type of sound. Also, Lead singer Sonny Moore has a wider vocal range in Heroine because he was only 16 at the time that Dear Diary was recorded.
Mothersound
The first time I heard this song, I have to admit I really didn’t like it, but after a few more plays It started to grow on me. The beginning has a really strange sound to it, and Moore spits out unexpected vocals before the song actually kicks in. The verses and the chorus are fairly catchy, but the ending is too long because it has a few guitar solos that I don’t really feel the need should be in there. 3/5
The Latest Plague
The first single off of this album. Yet another song I had to listen to a few times before I actually started to like it. There seems to be a lot of effects used in this song, but I think they match pretty well. The instruments in this song are fairly simple, but it come together nicely. FFTL also manages to pull off another catchy chorus that will be engraved into your head after you listen to it about twice. I think this song was a good choice for a single. 4/5
And We All Have A Hell
The concept of this song is really strange, but this is one of my favorite tracks on the album. The verses instrument wise are different from any other song on the album. The chorus got my attention in this song too. The bridge also has some guitar effects that make the song somewhat erie, which is perfect for the concept considering the song is about someone stalking a girl. The only thing I don’t like is the guitars in the song because they’re simple, but they do work so I can’t complain too much. 3.5/5
Afterbirth
This is the song I dislike the most of the cd. The verses are boring and I don’t really like the lyrics. It seems like they tried to make this song different from any other song they have but I really don’t like it. This song seems like it was one of those songs that were just thrown on the album. It seems like this was the song that they put the least amount of effort into. Also, Moore isn’t showing his full potential in the vocals. 2/5
World War Me
I actually like this song a lot. The beginning kind of reminded me of “Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste” by Norma Jean because of how the guitars and drums open the song. The verses are jumpy and I like how the guitars are playing really weird octaves in the chorus. The bridge also keeps the songs going and matches the song. It’s not one of those bridges where you feel like you want to change the song when it comes up. I also like the lyrics in this song. I think Wes Borland threw in some nice bass lines too. 4.5/5
Shame Shame
I believe this is going to be the second single of the album. It has a nice opening riff and the rhythm guitar that goes with the drums helps it all cling together nicely. Derek also has a nice drum display in this song. The chorus is still catchy, but it’s not one of the best ones they’ve had. I think this is another decent bass song for Wes, and the guitars are also nice too because a lot of lead is being played to backup the rhythm. 4/5
The Crows Are Coming For Us
This is another one of my favorites. The drums start off this song with just drums rolls on the snare and the bass drum being played. The guitars to open up the song have a really unique sound, also the effects used in the verses sound really cool. I think the second verse “you walk on water, you sing a lovely tune” sounds really good. It’s unexpected, but matches the song really well. The music in this song is probably my favorite because of how the guitarists experimented with effects and I think Derek’s drumming is awesome. 4.5/5
The Levy
I like this song a lot. Another one of my favorite tracks. The song opens up with effects then comes in with a sound that kind of reminds me of a porno haha. The first time I heard this song, I expected it to be really heavy because of how the guitars sound. I think Sonny’s vocals are amazing in this song. He really proves he vocal range through this track. This is also another song where a lot of guitar effects are used. I really like how Wes’s bass line sounds in the second part of the opening. It has a really heavy kind of feel to it. I also like the structure of the song because it doesn’t really have verses, but it still has a chorus. The structure in this song reminds me of “Note To Self” because the chorus is the opening part, as well as it is on The Levy. Great track. 4.5/5
Waves Goodbye
The slow song on the album. I like this song, but I think it’s way too repetitive. Also the drums towards the end of the song are kind of annoying. It’s a good song if you just wanna relax and chill out to. 3/5
Waltz Moore
Another of those tracks that I don’t really like. The music in the song is good as well as the vocals, but I don’t really like the concept that much or the lyrics. 2.5/5
Heroine
This song sums up what the title “Heroine” really means. Heroine is interpreted to be Sonny’s Mother. Everything is good in this song. The instruments and Sonny’s voice match perfectly. The only negative thing I have to say about this song is I think It’s too long for a closing song, and just too long in general. It’s a decent track. 3/5
Pros:
-Sonny’s Vocal range is amazingly good
-Wes Borland did a nice job on bass
-Derek’s Drums are very creative
-The guitars use a lot of effects that match the songs very well.
Cons:
-I like “Dear Diary” a little more, but the Heroine isn’t a bad cd.
-They had some heavy riffs but no heavy vocals
-Afterbirth and Waltz Moore are the only tracks I don’t like on the album
Thanks....and remember this is my first review, so please don’t be too harsh.
