The First Step

Item: Open Hearts and Clear Minds
Author: Chaz Murphy

Open Hearts and Clear Minds

(2003)

Reviewed by Chaz Murphy

Discogs Bandcamp Apple Music

Label Livewire RecordsDecapolisOctober 2002

hardcore hardcore punk

The First Step is a four-piece Positive Straight Edge hardcore band that comes out of North Carolina. In a time when positive hardcore, let alone straight edge hardcore seems to be dying out, The First Step keeps it going. They have accumulated a solid fan base and they are an active band. I had the privilege of seeing them live last week with Bane and Count Me Out. They put on an amazingly energetic show and even had me wanting to do the straight edge thing again. They are extremely nice guys and have a passion about their music and their lifestyle that is seldom seen. I was very impressed.

"Open Hearts and Clear Minds" is their second release on Livewire Records. Their first release was a 7". "Open Hearts and Clear Minds" has five new tracks and adds in their first release as well and also there is a live set from a show they did at CBGB's in New York City. So you are getting the full package on one cd. Although the recording isn't all that good, it isn't loud enough and it just lacks the power that I know they have from seeing them live.

I like this album because it gives those people who don't have a record player to own their demo and also get to hear a live set, plus you can hear some new songs. They also keep it fun with their last new track; they took parts of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and played it over an instrumental song. For people that like good straight up Straight Edge hardcore, check this band out.

If you are weary of those types of bands, go to the livewire homepage and download a song...they also have other bands there you can download. (http://www.livewire-records.com) The production wasn't all that great. The CD gives you a lot. The songs were good. The lyrics were positive and had a good message. I like this album and their live shows are good too. Check them out.

B-