Your memory’s perception of music is a funny thing; we can all get carried away with big statements when we hear certain songs and see those performances that define our summer nights because it felt at the time like it defined our lifetimes. Even Zane Lowe changes his ‘Biggest Track In The World Right Now’ tag every week, and he’s like the biggest guy in music right?
When I hear My First Tooth, and Ross K Witt’s vocals come tentatively to the fore, I feel as if a long-lost balance is restored and I of course instantly feel neglectful in my slack appreciation of this band over the last couple of years. Like a bad keeper of books, all too hastily dipped into and out of and strewn across the carpet, with corners of pages folded along the way; it’s value acknowledged but the dedication to its thorough and rightful appreciation somewhere amiss.
My First Tooth are one of those bands that you can really just sit and appreciate, as very steady and progressive song structures move on and Witt divulges a little more of his tireless prose. I guess I do find their sound to be one of instant warmth, but not in a stupid way. There is at times a kind of doubtful if a little blissful emptiness, where echoes creep out of the gaps in percussion in accordance with the gentle chills it sends seeping through flesh. Like the times you spent in your youthful and unknowing days, looking out at a darkened sky with cigarette in hand. But this is something that, without fail, I ultimately feel is eschewed by the overall steadiness that makes it not just cathartic, but trustworthy also. Like a good friend that looks over you, that makes you ask difficult questions, but re-assures you that you’re doing so for the right reasons. And of course, it is someone you believe. That’s something I could feel only grow in its distinction with this record.
In this manner the album very much sticks with what really works about the group, and the at times soft, the at times vigorous constantina of expression; enhanced by the many rich instrumental accompaniments along the way. What makes this a particular triumph, in comparison to their previous EPs, is how seamlessly they pull this off over a full-length endeavour. The time and patience spent plotting this release was indeed well spent it seems.
It is with great regret sitting here typing this that I still can’t say I’ve managed to catch this band live. The stupid technicalities that have got in my way, train fares, social plans and plain laziness make me feel silly. But right now my appreciation of this band, however too often understated, lies in a soulful singular listening experience which feels to me like it could never be beaten. That said, I’m told they’re great live.
Loves Makes Monsters is released on Monday 4th March.
You can read the band’s interview with God Is In The TV’s very own Craig Taylor-Broad here.
