Elemental

First Light

First Light was formed in 2020 by lifelong friends Dave Hardman and Carl Sharples two […]
June 23, 2025

First Light was formed in 2020 by lifelong friends Dave Hardman and Carl Sharples two musicians bonded by their love of AOR,which began as a 2020 lockdown collaboration. But despite now living in different countries Dave in Spain and Carl in the UK,the collaboration still continued with Dave creating the music and Carl penning the lyrics & creating the melodies. To bring the project to life they built a great line up with Warren Passaro with a soulful passionate voice from New York,with long time friend Andy Jakeman with the jewel in the crown Didge Digital ( FM) completing the line up on keyboards. In 2023 Gravity released a mini album “Gravity” which received a glowing review from Classic Rock Magazine which is rare for an unsigned band,plus a 90% score from www.melodicrock.com . “Elemental” Was Produced by Pete Newdeck (Vega) and mastered by Harry Hess (Harem Scarem).

A solid sophisticated AOR track “Closer” kicks off album proceedings,the immediate intent of First Light apparent the chorus is a glorious harmonised spectacle,full of plenty of hooks and glorious melody. The lead single “Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don't” is a smooth AOR track with a powerful bridge leading to another ear worm chorus Warren Passaro with vocals which ooze so much soul with power. “Forever Young” is another big anthemic track with a great keyboard presence from Didge Digital and also Dave Hardman delivers some nice melodic guitar touches.”Mayday” sounds edgier to the previous tracks both in the vocals and musically.”Leave A Light On” has lot of keyboard presence with Carl Sharples and Andy Jakeman giving the track great rhythm with another killer chorus with lush harmonies.”Mesmerising” and “Run” are another two great slices of AOR gold. The massive choruses show no let up with “Caught Up In You” and “Shooting For The Stars” with outstanding vocals and musicality.”The Price” closes the album as it started with another solid AOR/Melodic track and bringing the album to a spectacular end. Then.... I reach for the play button on my remote once more!

First Light have delivered a splendid debut album, which is absolutely superb from start to finish with a huge AOR/ melodic rock sound,with stellar production from Mr Newdeck. There are definite influences and there will be comparisons to bands like FM,Dare,Giant and Heartland who are legends in this genre. With this album First Light will be another band to add to that list. Another great band added to the Pride & Joy Music roster. First Light will be appearing in the UK at Tower Of Fire Festival Saturday 28th June Night Train ,Bradford. “Elemental” is released 25th July through Pride & Joy Music.

9 / 10

Almost Perfect

Songwriting

9

Musicianship

9

Memorability

10

Production

9
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"Elemental" Track-listing:

1.Closer

2.Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don't

3.Forever Young

4.Mayday

5.Leave A Light On

6.Mesmerising

7.Run

8.Caught Up On You

9.Shooting For The Stars

10.Untouchable

11.The Prize

First Light Lineup:

Warren Passaro – Vocals

Dave Hardman – Guitar

Carl Sharples – Bass

Didge Digital – Keyboards

Andy Jakeman – Drums

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