Echo and Miller formed the band in the fall of 1998, citing a mutual love of old-school new wave, dance-punk energy and dark pop, with bassist Jeff Jaeger, drummer Scott Ellis (Mellowdrone, She Wants Revenge) and guitarist Mike Smith. The latter left during the recording of their debut album, Shakedown!, which was released on The Label, a sub-label of Geffen Records.
After returning from touring, the band found the label was closing its doors, and, after Scott Ellis' departure, released The 1234 EP independently. Following a 2002 summer tour supporting Scarling., the band gathered enough money to release theSTART EP on Smallstone Records. After a tour supporting AFI, the band was signed to Nitro Records. Stabilizing a new line-up with Erick Sanger and Billy Brimblecom, Jr., they recorded their next album, Initiation. In the meantime, theSTART EP was re-released on Nitro Records under the title Death Via Satellite. Unfortunately, on the day of Initiation's release, Brimblecom announced his departure. The band proceeded to tour with artists such as The Offspring, Auf Der Maur and Garbage with a number of fill-in drummers. Sanger was let go in 2006 for unclear reasons, paving the way for current rhythm section Lance Webber and Chelsea Davis. The band also parted ways with Nitro Records, and signed with Metropolis Records later that year, releasing Ciao, Baby in 2007.
Initiation
theSTART Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
not like the last day
this is the first day
....again
again
shall we begin?
The lyrics to theSTART's song "Initiation" talk about a new beginning or a fresh start. The repeated line "this is the first day, not like the last day" suggests that the singer is experiencing something new and different in their life. The line "shall we begin?" implies that the singer is ready to take on this new experience and is excited to see where it will lead them. The repetition of the word "again" at the end of each line suggests that the singer may have had previous new beginnings in their life or has tried to start over before, but this time feels different.
The overall tone of the song is upbeat, with a sense of optimism and anticipation for what's to come. The use of the word "initiation" in the song's title also implies a sense of ceremony or ritual, suggesting that the singer is marking the beginning of something important in their life.
Overall, the lyrics suggest a sense of excitement and possibility for a new beginning, while also acknowledging that starting over can be challenging and even scary.
Line by Line Meaning
this is the first day
Today marks a new beginning, completely different from any past experiences.
not like the last day
The events of this day will not mirror those of previous days.
this is the first day... again
Once more, we are starting fresh--our slate completely clean and ready for a new day.
again
Let us repeat this process of beginning anew and embrace the opportunity for growth and change.
shall we begin?
Are we all prepared to take advantage of this fresh start and move forward with determination?
Contributed by Adam H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mikeharlow
Ugh, BEST band and their best album. They need to make a new one already!