If you haven't heard of alternative punk, Kenosha, WI based band, The First Rule, yet, you're going to now. Formed in 2016, it was all kind of a blur the way The First Rule came to be. Between magic, perseverance and a lot of team effort and collaboration, The First Rule has conquered two EP releases, and is about to do it again.

Coming this week, October 12th, fans will be able to listen to their new, 6-track EP titled, "Not As Cool As I Thought I Was." The First Rule was nice enough as to let me listen to the album before its debut, and now I get to share my thoughts with you!

The EP is very reminiscent to old school alternative rock and punk. I've said it once before, and I'll say it again: The First Rule is a refreshing glass of water in this new age of music. It connects the edgy, punk narrative early 90s bands made their claim to fame on, while adding an exclusive touch that's all their own. Listening to "Not As Cool As I Thought I Was" is a nostalgic experience for those who loved the 90s punk era just as much as I did. It's like getting a part of your rebellious teenage years back. The 6 tracks certainly weren't enough, but I supposed that's the beauty of the replay button. To give a sneak peak, the tracklist is as follows:

1. "Punk Rock Pool Party"

2. "Nerd Rage"

3. "My Time"

4. "It's Never Too Late"

5. "High On Your Love"

6. "Never Too Late"

As always, the band is nothing short of courteous and all around great people. I got to pick guitarist's Chris Shanahan's brain on a few things, and here's how that went:

Q: Were there any stylistic differences with the album that you knew you were going to make before producing it?

A: Going into the studio, we didn't plan on doing anything different stylistically. We knew we wanted to focus on recording fewer songs so we could spend more time developing the ones we had, rather than try to put out a full length album. We had a chance to practice more and play the songs live more, allowing us to get them to a point where we were happy with the sound before going in to record. We feel the overall sound of our music is still similar, but we would probably attribute any changes in our style to growth as a band.

Q: How has the progression from this album differ from your first?

A: We've now been playing with our current lineup for 2 years, so we've gotten more comfortable writing as a band and expanding each other's ideas. We feel like we've been able to add more to each song, especially with guitars and backing vocals, because of this. In addition, 5 of the 6 songs were written after the last album came out. On the previous album, we had been playing some of the songs for over a year, before Bo even joined the band. He still contributed tremendously, improving those previously written songs. On this one, there was a lot more input from every member.

Q: Where do you see the band going musically, individually, stylistically?

A: On this album, we didn't include any political based songs. It wasn't intentional, it just happened. This album includes songs that are a little more personal and socially aware, as well as a few fun ones we wanted to throw in. We have a lot more songs that are still in the demo stage. Lyrically, it is along the same lines as what we have been doing... remaining very personal, but tackling current issues as well. Musically, who knows. It might be similar, or it might change!

There's surely no doubt that The First Rule is onto something big, and I predict this EP will move mountains for them.

If you're in the WI area and are interested in seeing them live and in person, check them out on these dates:

October 12: CD Release Friday, at Hattrix in Kenosha, WI.

October 27: Fridayween festival at Brat Stop in Kenosha

November 2: All Souls Music Fest at Penny Road Pub in Barrington, IL,

December 8: Slaughter Party's CD release and YourBandSucks.site roast at Hattrix in Kenosha

Be sure to keep a look out for their upcoming music videos for the songs of their latest EP, "Nerd Rules" and "Punk Rock Pool Party," and any other surprises they may throw our way!