First Frontier – Insist (2022)
Describing their sound as having a “gleeful celebration of the good and an examination of the complexity of existence”, UK-based First Frontier merge engaging melodies with profound content. Already regulars on The Other Side Reviews, we have followed the duo from ‘Take Cover’ to ‘Edging’ noting their innovativeness as artists. Yet, we are not the only ones to sing the pair’s praises being featured on Punk Rocker, Right Chord Music, Edgar Allan Poets, Sinusoidal Music and various playlists. The latest addition to their critically acclaimed repertoire is the single ‘Insist’.
The second track of 2022, ‘Insist’ adopts a less intense and slower melodic arrangement as compared to ‘Edging’ or ‘Landslide’. Yet, while there is a smoother and more flowing intimacy to the single, First Frontier retain their dynamic, upbeat and powerful style. Paul Stafford’s twanging guitar harmonically merges with Helena Poole’s pounding drums creating something along the lines of The White Stripes but with a deeper sincerity.
Along with the rich, bold melody, First Frontier use their lyrical execution and content to “up their game”. Poole and Stafford explain that ‘Insist’ is a love song but, unlike most love songs, it focuses more on self-actualisation, empowerment and acceptance than “…about seeking somebody to complete us.” The warm and tender vocals carry you along an enchanting sonic river with almost palpable emotions reflected in the musical pool – if that makes sense.
As with their previous releases, ‘Insist’ is not only personal but conceptual looking at existential truths. It focuses on trust, insists on the positive sense of human complexity; however, First Frontier share that it is this humanity that “has often broken the trust”. Fragile on one end but robust on the other, ‘Insist’ is moving with a tender sentimentality that many can connect with.
For more from First Frontier check out their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
