FIRST TIME JOY is a new project of DIY stalwart Cameron Harrison, who is releasing their debut S/T demo tape this month. The duo brings in a furiously blazing political hardcore punk meets screamo and metalcore amalgamation, that will satisfy fans of both classic, metallized sounds of the 90s and more modern approach in hardcore. Dont be fooled by the cheery, innocent appearance of these fellas. This short 3-tracker is a beast! Listen and scroll down to see FIRST TIME JOY’s other bands recommendations, as well as their special commentary on the book sthat inspried this demo, and their political philosophies.
A two piece fury of violent screamo meets metallic hardcore; First Time Joy was a concept put together by two old friends in a matter of days. This demo was written and recorded in the span of a day, and its sonic intentions can be felt through its pure raw, and emotional flurry. This demo embodies bitter and angry themes of dealing with abandonment issues after a loss of love, a general loss of direction in oneβs life, and the political climate of 2020.
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Taking the fury of classic hardcore with more modern distorted vocals at times, First Time Joy leave an impact immediately. Standout track “The Death Of An Elite” showcases the bands depth for the more emotional with it’s brooding intro, and shows promise for where the band could take this project into the future. Easily stated; First Time Joy are the band a lot of us need right now for the unbearable times we’re living in.
The anxieties displayed in First Time Joyβs self titled demo are ones that cannot be quelled through time alone, but through direct action as the struggle between compatriots and their government continues on. The intentional infliction of suffering on oppressed people can only be addressed through mutual aid.
5 locals and tracks worth a check, by FIRST TIME JOY:
Kyle – Tampa, FL:
Horsewhip – Lowlands
Yashira – Narrowed In Mirror Light
Point Of Contact – Core Of Resistance
Vacancy – Weak Ends
Sleeping Pills – Far Away
Cameron – Columbus, OH:
Toxic Womb – Predator & Prey
Wasp Factory – This Song Will Solve the Climate Crisis
BODY FARM – I.O.U
Minority Threat – Minority Threat
TAUNG CHILD – Throw Yourself Down a Flight of Stairs
Books that influenced the demo:
Kyle:
The Sandman: Brief Lives vol.7 : For me personally, sir Neil Gaiman is a master author of dark fantasy and horror. He always finds a way to make the content relatable, and puts so much of himself in his stories. But in this particular edition of Sandman, Dream was more mopey than usual due to dealing with a loss of love. It was such a similar experience to my life at the time, so naturally I gravitated pretty heavily to this sad yet quirky storyline.
The Underwater Welder: Jeff Lemire is another author in comics that speaks to me, because he also puts so much of his personal trauma into his work. And this particular novel is about dealing with the trauma of abandonment. Which is pretty apparent when you hear what I have to say in the record. And itβs never easy to get over that trauma, and you never truly do. You just learn to let it not shape your life, and use what youβve learned from it to strengthen you as an individual. And in this novel thatβs what the main character does.
Continued below…
Political Philosophies:
If you find yourself longing for a day where things can βgo back to normalβ , youβre probably not going to see eye to eye with us. Weβve been living in a society catered towards the privileged, and greediest of men for far too long. I remember in my earliest days being taught that we as an American society are better, free, and ultimately something that is perfect. If you go to college, or just come up with that βone ideaβ, that can make you a million, and then youββl be living the American dream. It seems like there are more now, who see this as a problem too. And some are actively trying to do something about it. But thereβs also so much βsafeβ neo-liberal bullshit too. When are people going to realize that just sporting a #BLM on an anti-racist Instagram post isnβt going to be enough? We always need more art, more people who are willing to organize protests, or help out in ways that make some form of contribution. Iβm not saying you have to give beyond your means of living financially, but if you can afford to throw twenty bucks to a charity that contributes to a progressive idea that you agree with, then letβs start there. Remember the only good kind of a fascist, is one that is used for fertilizer.
Cameron on books and politics
I recently got into stories written by Garth Ennis. It has been affirming to find gritty, off-kilter stories that offer varying perspectives in a fantasy universe while simultaneously critiquing the current state of the world. The problems that are currently plaguing societyβwhite supremacy, lack of access to mental healthcare, religious fascism, toxic masculinity, etc,βexisted long before current younger generations perceived or conceived them. They have been documented by thinkers, authors, artists, and other creatives. Coming to understand this through reading political worksβphilosophers like Paulo Freire, Karl Marx, and Bookchin; authors Ta-Nehisi Coates and Ibram X Kendi; comics by Garth Ennisβhas been both eye opening and also depressing. The struggle between the oppressed and the oppressor has existed ever since one man was able to wield unjust power over another to subvert the weakerβs societal standing.
Be sure tocheck out the newest groovy, wicked album from SLOPE! Out March 12th, 2021, on BDHW Records:
