The First Rule
Kenosha, WI | Established. Jan 01, 2015 | SELF
Music
Press
The First Rule, “What Could Possibly Go Wrong?”
Regular readers of this column know my mantra: No matter the genre, there has to be a good song to begin with.
The First Rule may be a local band, but their songwriting is definitely big-time. In addition, the earnest vocals of Nicholas O’Malley and one of the tightest rhythm sections around really get your blood pumping.
“Can’t Wait to Be Famous” is the best Blink 182 song that Blink 182 never recorded, and I mean that in a good way. “You Think You’re Better Than Me” and “It’s a Good Year to Be A Fascist” have enough punk sneer to stop Billie Joe Armstrong dead in his tracks. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention the cool CD artwork, which features the band as their own 1980s video game avatars. I love everything about this. - Dan Pavelich - Kenosha News - 11/30/2017
Not As Cool As I Thought I Was (TFR)
The follow-up to last year’s What Could Possibly Go Wrong? Not As Cool As I Thought I Was, displays a noticeable maturity. Though The First Rule’s punk hearts are still firmly pinned on their sleeves, the tracks Better Days and High On Your Love boast savvy arrangements that instantly grab your attention.
Vocalist Nicholas O’Malley, in particular, has hit his stride with a new-found confidence that also seems to have inspired his bandmates to up their ante. Though this has always been a tight band, here they’ve discovered that there’s no crime in grooving. Nerd Rage comes alive via a punchy backbeat and fast-walking bass line, showing a band intent on growing. Highly recommended. - Dan Pavelich - Racine County Eye - 10/22/2018
Discography
Oct. 12, 2018 - Not As Cool As I Thought I Was EP
May 21, 2018 - Nerd Rage single
Jan. 20, 2018 - Dictator (We Elected A...) [The Last Wordbender remix]
Oct. 13, 2017 - What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
July 22, 2016 - Street Fight
June 3, 2016 - Bully single
Photos
Bio
The First Rule is a mix of Alternative, Punk, and Rock. They combine anger with sensitivity, both lyrically and musically. Drawing from a wide variety of artists ranging from The Offspring to Bad Religion to Green Day to Weezer, among others, the band crosses genres to create an original blended sound. Their live shows are always a high energy experience.
The First Rule started in 2014 when Nick and Chris decided to start working on music together. The band grew to a 5 piece and started playing out the following year. Since then, they have played around the upper Midwest, inlcuding Kenosha, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Indianapolis.
The First Rule currently has 3 albums. "Street Fight" was released July 22nd in 2016, "What Could Possibly Go Wrong?", released October 13, 2017, and “Not As Cool As I Thought I Was”, released October 12th, 2018.
Awards/Recognition:
2019 - Nominated for "Punk Band of the Year" - Wisconsin Area Music Industry awards
2018 - Nominated for "Punk Band of the Year" - Wisconsin Area Music Industry awards
2018 - WON "Wish You Were Here - Album of the Year" - Madison Area Music Association awards
2018 - WON "Wish You Were Here - Song of the Year" - Madison Area Music Association awards
2017 - #3 on WSUM / Maximum Ink Top 41 of 2017 (Madison, WI, radio station)
2016 - #14 on Max Ink Radio's Top 41 of 2016 (Madison, WI, online radio station)
Festival/Benefit appearances:
2018 - Summerfest, Milwaukee, WI, USA
2018 - Kenosha Pride Fest, Kenosha, WI, USA
2018 - Taste of Wisconsin, Kenosha, WI, USA
2018 - Rock Against Hate (Life After Hate benefit), Kenosha, WI, USA
2017 - Rock For Relief (Hurricane relief benefit), Racine, WI, USA
2017 - Planned Parenthood benefit, Milwaukee, WI, USA
2017 - Rock For Vets (benefit), Racine, WI, USA
2016 - Summerfest, Milwaukee, WI, USA
2016 - Rockin' for the Elderly (benefit)
Band Members
Links
