First Degree Burns

First Degree Burns (FDB) are an eight piece band whose influences stem from the concrete roots of Bristol, via France, Jamaica and much in between. Channelling a plethora of musical styles and influences, be it Dub, Skank driven Ska, Roots Reggae, Two Tone, Rock, Metal through the all inclusive umbrella of Hip Hop, they’ve created a fusion which they proclaim as “Skip Hop” – up tempo, conscious, danceable, invitingly innovative, musically accomplished, eclectic… and most importantly, not taking itself too seriously!Six years in the making, the band is beginning to find their stride after a history of regional success and beyond. Their first release, “The Unconceivable EP”; a simple EP recorded on a shoestring budget and made whilst the band were still finding their raison d’etre in 2005, snowballed from their initial limited release, culminating in an appearance at Ashton Court Festival; Bristol’s seminal live music event. Further appearances at Clarence Park Festival, Wakefield, Recydrate the West in Wales, and various festivals around the country have compounded their reputation as one of the nations most original and exciting live acts. As a result of this success, they were invited to the launch party of the “Mongol Rally” at The Truman Brewery, London. FDB tore it up to such an extent that Jack Osbourne mentioned them specifically in the subsequent television coverage! Further media enterprises include four of the tracks from “Unconceivable” appearing in the soundtrack for an O’Neill Snow and Surf DVD, and T-Mobile using their track “Rootin’ and Lootin” as part of a European advertising campaign.Whilst basking in independent success, they’ve created their début album proper, “First and Foremost”, a double CD meticulously crafted over the last two years. The album has been split in to two parts in order to better suit the overarching feel of the songs contained there in. “First” demonstrates the bands thirst for smooth, percussive lyrical flows over hard hitting beats and bass, with a gloomy consistency achieved through the best part of the songs encapsulating the wintry feel of the seasons they were written in. The second disc, “Foremost” focuses on the recent progress the band have been making in terms of production and song writing, with a more melodic tone through out better reflecting their renowned live energy. With subtle summery pop stylings also encompassing moments of swing, it shows a new energy and attitude toward their music, and a fresh direction for the band. By splitting the album in two, they have allowed their audience to choose a side of FDB which suits their mood, whether they wish to ponder the societal ills the guys beautifully articulate in songs on “First”, or channel the party vibe they present in “Foremost”. Either way, the consumer is hit by the distinctive sound that is First Degree Burns.Comfortable in their sound, comfortably electric on stage, yet still willing to evolve and further their sweaty grasp upon audiences through out the country, FDB now want to take their sound to the next level and reach as many festival goers, hip hoppers, Reggae heads and Two Tone shufflers as possible, with everything else in between. Their goal is to have the term “Skip Hop” on the countries lips, front the current Ska and Hip Hop fusion which is beginning to grow within England's consciousness… and get all and sundry “touching their funky strobes!”