Last Writes by The First Steps

West Suffolk's self-proclaimed 'rock monsters of rock' return with more mod tinged, punk inspired, pop hooked, tunes.

Originally conceived in 1979, the power trio guitar band (Chris, Jem and Phil plus manager/label owner Jonny) high on the punk DIY spirit, self-released two singles.

Amazingly, their first 45 'The Beat is Back' sold out, receiving numerous plays on the UK's biggest pop radio station, BBC Radio 1. Despite being championed by the late great John Peel, the band declined major label interest and returned to their day jobs.

Subsequently, years later, the original singles and B sides, plus two new songs, were assembled for their 'debut' album, 2017's 'A Cup of Plenty'.

After 45 years conceptualising their new album, 'Last Writes', Chris Murrell (lyrics) and Phil Thornalley (music) reunited in 2024 and, in fourteen frantic days, recorded thirteen new songs and one classic cover.

Guitarist and co-writer Phil Thornalley said of the production, "We decided to keep to the innocent, throwaway spirit of the original 70s recordings. Even if that means a number of musical mistakes, out of tune singing and flubbed chords”.

'Last Writes' is crammed with short, catchy songs but it also captures the spirit of the Wild West of Suffolk. Two guitar-slingers raging against the dying light.

The new album kicks off with neanderthal rocker 'Baby Take Care of Your Brain' then shifts into the nihilistic glory of 'Out of It'.

Things turn moody with the muddy swamp vamp 'The Outsider', complete with an Eastern-tinged guitar theme.

Co-writer, rhythm guitarist and head lyricist Chris Murrell explained "There's no point in pretending the band is the naive teenage band of our past but with the lyrics I explored the random themes that still amuse me. We knew this would be our last album. So the 'Last Writes' title fits the bill."

The band tip their hat to their original punk / new wave influences, such as XTC, with the tongue-in-cheek, 'Lawrence of Suburbia' and the Ramones'ish 'No Time' (featuring a rare lead vocal from Chris).

The tracks tumble out in raw, uncomplicated fashion. Mixing geography and love with the bagpipe-tinged ballad 'Nova Scotia'; Stomping through a Kinks-ish 'From Rags to Richard'.

Showing their metier for punchy guitar pop with 'Only One Parachute' and the perky punk spirit of 'Been and Gone'. Then bringing Christmas closer with 'Snow Balls', a jocular, seasonal waltz. On 'Small World', a song originally started in 1979, the band show the influence of the jangly US guitar pop of Cheap Trick.

Finally, The First Steps retread their early success with an updated lyric version of 'The Beat is Back (Again)' and finish the set with a breathless and throwaway cover of the 60's Four Seasons classic, 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You'.

Last orders. Last songs. Ladies and Gentleman, The First Steps bring you 'Last Writes'.

Formed in 1979, West Suffolk’s self-proclaimed ‘rock monsters of rock’ return with more mod tinged, punk inspired, pop hooked, rock.