{"title":"First Light","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"the-sacrifice","title":"The Sacrifice","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 2020, a year shaped by stringent COVID-19 restrictions, many of us paused for thought about our collective futures. For First Light Records, this reflection, plus the support of Sound and Music's Composer-Curator programme, led to the development of Unbuilt Sound, a new series of commissions centred around acoustic ecology; the relationship between listener and environment. The first iteration of the Unbuilt Sound series sees Flora Yin-Wong retreat to an isolated cabin outside Machynlleth, North Wales, to collect the field recordings that provide the basis for her folklore-inspired album, The Sacrifice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA collage of twisted field recordings, rich waves of synth, and whispered vocals, The Sacrifice oscillates between gentle familiarity and dreamlike distortions, inspiring a folkloric sense of place that extends across time. Softly dissonant drones envelop the sounds of rocks underfoot and rippling pools, a continuous call and response between artist and landscape. These themes are perhaps best captured on \u003ci\u003eWillow Bends\u003c\/i\u003e, which features spoken word written and performed by Berlin's Rachel Lyn. \u003ci\u003eRide\u003c\/i\u003e, she says, \"these ancient and contemporary currents, carrying their secrets from up-stream. Wanderwaves, when pebbles skip across the ripples, I reflect upon it, this water mirror...\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"First Light","offers":[{"title":"Black | 12\" - 1160744","offer_id":50458744193355,"sku":"1160744","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"elemental-2","title":"Elemental","description":"\u003cp\u003eFirst Light is the melodic rock band of lifelong friends Dave Hardman (guitar) and Carl Sharples (bass)—two musicians bound by decades of friendship and a passion for the golden era of AOR. What began as lockdown collaboration in 2020 has become a dynamic musical force, rooted in the spirit of classic bands like FM, Journey, Foreigner, and Giant, yet fully charged with fresh energy and modern production. Despite now living in different countries—Dave in Spain and Carl in the UK—the duo has forged a creative partnership through remote collaboration, with Dave shaping the music and Carl penning lyrics and melodies. Together, they deliver a sound that is both nostalgic and invigorating, combining lush harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and the unmistakable spirit of British melodic rock. To bring their vision to life, they assembled an outstanding lineup. Warren Passaro, a powerful and soulful vocalist from New York City, brings transatlantic fire and finesse. On drums, long-time friend Andy Jakeman provides thunderous, driving energy. with the crown jewel of fanboy dreams coming when Didge Digital, legendary keyboardist of British AOR giants FM, joined the band—adding his trademark melodic textures and deepening the band’s sonic identity. After receiving international airplay and glowing praise for their 2023 Gravity mini-album—including a Classic Rock Magazine review (a rare feat for an unsigned band), a 90% score from melodicrock.com, and Album of the Month in AOR Underground—First Light knew they had to raise the bar. Produced by Pete Newdeck (Vega) and mastered by Harry Hess (Harem Scarem), Elemental is a powerful, emotionally charged collection of 11 brand new songs—each one crafted with precision, passion, and purpose. Created virtually, yet bursting with chemistry, the album captures the clarity, depth, and organic spirit that inspired its title. Elemental is not just an album—it’s a statement. From the anthemic drive of “Mesmerising”, the cinematic sweep of “Shooting for the Stars”, to the raw emotion of “Forever Young” and the defiant hook of “Damned If You Do”, every track delivers unique standout moments.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pride and Joy Music","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":52291301310795,"sku":"R8743-2353","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/FirstLight-Elemental_1500px.jpg?v=1750087711"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/fr\/collections\/first-light.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}