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.
Laptop Punk Records, 10 Feb 2023
Laptop Punk has another single from The Felonz, a band that seems to revel in admirable angst every time I hear something new from them. Much to their credit, I never have the greatest feel for what a new song will sound like, and “N.G.B.” (“Never Going Back”) surprises me yet again. For those interested, the single is available digitally at the link below.
“N.G.B.” is sort of disorienting, but has all the elements I need. The guitars have a palpable electric buzz to them and the rhythm section kicks up a real storm as they stampede through my brain. What's really fascinating to me (and this is the first time I've noticed this despite listening to them plenty) is that I'm getting a real Darby Crash feeling from the vocals – they growl and mumble and sing melodically at different points, morphing and rambling all over the place as the song progresses – and the whole caterwauling din feels like the sort of chaos the Germs might've tossed together. Like a lot of Germs stuff, “N.G.B.” really feels at risk of going off the rails at any moment, and in a good way. I know, I know: calm down, that's hallowed ground, all that sort of thing – and I'm not saying you'll necessarily get the same vibe. But there's something here that gets my mind wandering there anyway.
- Song Comes From: Standalone single
- Purchase/Pre-Order/Pre-Save: Bandcamp
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ryan is a reviewer and news editor for TGEFM. He's very secretive, he might be an alien.