The Rocket (April 1988)
The First Thought
The First Thought are a Godsend to the Northwest music scene. With lyrics that are simple and understandable, but with a "deeper meaning" to them (according to the band), this is as serious and intellectual as Northwest rock gets. But don't let that make you think they are bookworms: They also have a grasp on today's music, its sound and audience.
This band has a professional approach rarely found in a venture so new — that attitude should be the catalyst for a quick boost to their fame. The band is made up of Arnold Sabsowitz, drums and percussion; Jose Hernado, guitar; Kristen Barry, keyboards; Lawrence Martin, bass; and Joshua Pierce on vocals and lyrics.
They are young — they average around 20 years old — and their sound, like their complexion, is clean and tight. The vocal blends within the band and their sense of harmony and rhythm set them apart from bands twice their age.
The First Thought doesn't play too often — usually just a couple of times each month — which makes their rare live gigs all the more special. "The First Thought refuses to get trapped in the weekend bar scene," says Pierce. "When we play, we play a concert and we do it for the beauty of the performance." Though together for less than two years, their total gigs so far only equal a couple of dozen, keeping a lid on something too good.
The band shares management with Soundgarden, a group now getting big time attention. The First Thought hopes for the same and may have the talent to get it. They have one tape commercially available already and are working on an LP. That upcoming release should be more rock-oriented, according to the band — it should be a local album to watch for.
Craig Olsen
