First Black Precedent

Ones to Watch

Away from their band, First Black Precedent are a jovial bunch of real ale slurping, tea sipping intellects – totally amiable chaps. Engage with the music of this Mancunian trio though and there is a sinister and disturbing element to this primarily innocuous ensemble.

Built on a foundation of murder, mishap and evil, FBP construct songs that make you feel slightly uneasy. Drawing inspiration from their own personal interests in the American South and its cultural history, their sound echoes the disjointed backwardness of a region saturated in horror and violence. Listen, and you'll instantly be transported into the tragedies they recount, totally immersed in the terror, wondering how you got there and what might happen to your sanity at the end of it all.

PhD student Jen's pure vocals are an ominous accompaniment to Chris's harrowing, shrill guitar lines. All the while Matt invades you with aggressive beats collectively creating an ubiquitous noise that will stay with you long after you stop listening. Having already being compared to Sonic Youth amongst other cult giants, it's difficult to see how FBP will be anything but an important addition to the Manchester and perhaps national music scene in the future.

During respites in their live performances, they connect well with captivated onlookers; yet mid-song they are completely absorbed in the tragic fables they tell, switching instantly from happy, carefree souls to menacing narrators. You can't help but heed the warnings.

If you like your music with a side of malevolency then FBP might just be the band you're looking for. They'll mess with your head and steal your soul, but get past that and you'll find yourself having just being told one of the most interesting and traumatic stories ever. The substance and genuine belief in what these guys do sets them apart from others and certainly makes them one to watch.

words by Simon S Wright

www.myspace.com/firstblackprecedent