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First Impressions Review: Bad Cop Bad Cop – “Lighten Up”

by

Fat Wreck Chords / Hopeless Records – 19 September 2025

I’ve been a big Bad Cop Bad Cop fan since I saw them open for The Interrupters back in 2016 and I absolutely love the different vocal ranges Stacey Dee and Jennie Cotterill have delivered, and of course the three part harmony’s with Linh Le. I was a bit concerned how the band would sound now and how the song writing would change with Jennie’s departure. In some ways this album sounds like classic Bad Cop and in many ways it does not. That is not a bad thing, bad thing, as this record takes much of what you love from the past, the unity, anthemic calls to action, and the three part harmony’s still shine. It feels more personal and authentic, and maybe even more powerful, but also sad and heartfelt at times.

The record takes a little more of a departure with a reggae punk song and includes a track with some hip hop style rapping. The band even decided to put a cover on one of their albums and yes, if you have seen the track list, “Johnny Appleseed” is indeed the Joe Strummer song. Newcomer Alex Windsor is a welcome addition as she rips on guitar, and I think she might be from Chicago, which is a plus. I just got this record today so I’ve only heard most of the songs one time, but I have a feeling I’m going to need to listen to it several more times to really get the full experience of this release and then I think it’s going to be one of my favorites.

  • Favorite Song: Note To Self
  • Album Release Date: 19 September, 2025

First Impressions are whiz-bang reviews of singles, 7″s, EPs, and LPs which are given a review after a single listen. This is a great way for TGEFM to showcase some of the releases which may not get a full review on their own.

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