Submitted by First After the Fire
Local folk band First After the Fire is releasing its debut album, a seven-song, self-titled EP on Feb. 5.
The creation of the album marks the realization of a project that began early in 2019. The three-piece band, at the time comprised of Philip Seagram, Carlo Alcos and Shannon Sargent, had been crafting and performing their harmony-driven original music at local venues for several years when they decided to start the process of recording an album.
Over the next months most of the raw recordings were completed and the band was able to release three songs as singles. The band was working on the remaining tracks when COVID-19 struck. The project then had to be shelved as priorities shifted for band members in the ensuing pandemic.
In late 2021, however, the band committed to finishing the album. They recorded additional vocal and instrumental parts for various songs, mostly in their own homes.
All of the songs were then mixed by Alcos in his home studio. David Ronald, of local studio All Ears Productions, mastered the album.
The music on this album is true to the band’s essence. Each song tells a story delivered in heartfelt fashion through the band’s strong vocal harmonies and clean instrumental parts. In addition to the guitar, bass, banjo, ukulele and mandolin played by Seagram and Alcos on the album, several tracks include stunning contributions by local violinist Aurelien Sudan, and two tracks are neatly kicked along by the work of Edmonton drummer Johnald Aram.
First After the Fire’s first album is one to sink into and savour. It has been a long time coming, but, like many things, is perhaps the better for it.
CDs can be purchased at Packrat Annie’s and the album can be found on Spotify, Apple Music and other major streaming platforms.