Interview with First Signs of Frost

2017 sees the welcome return of First Signs of Frost, back with a revamped lineup and sound. If you’re into a bit of melodic technical rock and haven’t yet checked out their new EP The Shape of Things to Come, then I point you in the direction of the embedded Bandcamp player at the bottom of this interview.

So, without further preamble, let’s get down to it…

Introduce us to First Signs of Frost

We’re a tech rock 5-piece from London. Originally formed in 2004, disbanded in 2010 and resurrected in 2015. Members include: Daniel Lawerence (vocals), Owen Hughes-Holland (guitar / backing vox), Adam Mason (guitar), Andy C Saxton (bass) & Alex Harford (drums).

What are your influences?

We draw influences from everything really, anything from Deftones, Tool & Sikth through to Tears For Fears, Soundgarden & Dave Matthews Band.

Name five things you’ve listened to recently that you’d recommend

Really been feeling our label buddies ‘Sleep Token’, great dynamic ambient metal. ‘Fickle Friends’, awesome Brighton alt-pop. ‘Dillinger Escape Plan’ & ‘John Mayers’ latest albums. Also ‘Regina Spektors’ new release.

Tell us about The Shape of Things to Come

The EP is our first release in 7 years, after being on hiatus since the departure of singer Daniel Tompkins in 2009. TSOTTC showcases our new frontman Daniel Lawrence (ex-Kenai, The Younger), bassist Andy C Saxton (ex-Cry For Silence) & drummer Alex Harford. The songs themselves each have their own personality, meaning and tone. We wanted to create something dynamic and melodic, yet raw and honest. The title (also lyric from the track ‘White Flag’) aptly sums up the new direction in which we’re heading.

How does this new EP differ in style to your earlier work, and what prompted this new direction?

I feel it represents how the writing has matured. We always intended on going down a more groove based route after ‘Atlantic’ as it were. I don’t feel that TSOTTC is a million miles from our previous release, however it definitely is a new and exciting direction none the less, especially with the current line-up.

How were the songs written?

I’ve always been the main writer for the band. So this time around I wrote 90% of the EP, music & lyrics/melodies. Our bassist Andy C Saxton embellished on the bass lines and put his stamp on the tracks. Also singer Daniel Lawrence brought ideas to the table when tracking the vocals.

What’s your favourite song on the album and why?

Probably ‘Look Alive Sunshine’ it’s the most honest track on the EP, I think I wrote it within a week. It’s raw emotion throughout.

How do you think your music will progress in the future?

We’re always evolving as a band, each release has its own feel and character. We’re now half way through our next record & already it has a unique sound to it, still heavy elements but possibly more dynamic in places.

How did you choose the cover artwork?

We had a good friend create a lightbox out of our logo that I designed. We wanted to keep it simple and bold, similar to ‘Atlantic’. I went out and shot the lightbox in a local forest and that became the main basis for the artwork.

What have the initial reactions to The Shape of Things to Come been like?

They’ve been fantastic on the whole, we’ve gained new fans, and all our old fans have really embraced the new direction & line up. We’re very grateful for all the support and kind words.

What’s it like working with Basick Records?

Everyone at the label has been so accommodating and enthused about the EP. It’s also great to be on a label that knows our history and who believed in us from day one! We’re honoured to be working with such a awesome group of people.