First Impressions is a collection of whiz-bang reviews of singles, 7″s, and shorter EPs, which are given a review after a single listen. This is a great way for TGEFM to showcase some of the releases which wouldn’t get a full review on their own.
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Stinking Polecats – “Space Trip”
Bad Man Records, 15 Apr 2022
I’ve listened to Stinking Polecats before and have typically found their stuff just okay. “Space Trip” changes that. It’s got a kinetic energy to it, coupled with a cool vocal turn and hooks that are staying in my head. Just before 2 minutes, they work in a sample and some synth bleeps and bloops that just add to the fun pop feeling. I like this a lot. If you’re looking for catchy buzzing pop punk, this’ll do the trick.
Review by RYAN
The Eradicator – “Squash Bender”
Stonewalled, 19 Apr 2022
The squash punks are back with “Squash Bender”, an angsty bop with lots of layers and, umm, I dunno…max pop? The song feels maximalist in the same way that I’d describe Andrew W.K.. Synths carry some catchy melodies and the drums have a double-tap bounce to them while the vocals are screamed through serrated cords. The squash passion is intense with The Eradicator.
Review by RYAN
Rotores – “There You Go”
Mom’s Basement Records, 16 Apr 2022
Brazil’s Rotores put a lot of emphasis on the “bubble fuckin’ gum” part of their Ramones-leaning punk rock and the catchy nature of this clean buzzsaw cut backs that up. There’s great vocal hooks throughout, especially on the memorable chorus, and the guitars keep bouncing in my skull. Oh, and then the guitar lead drops in and plays something simple and gorgeous, all set to a mid-tempo drive. They just announced that they’re joining up with Mom’s Basement Records, and this will fit right in with their great clientele.
Review by RYAN
Pink Snot – “De Facto Puppeteer”
Self-released, 16 Apr 2022
Another week, another new one from Winnipeg’s Pink Snot. This one’s on the aggressive, ripper-side of things. A blast of a beat goes warp speed while the guitars and bass do their best to keep up. Over top are some vocals that stay prominent in the mix and sound angrier than what I typically remember hearing from the band, particularly on the slowed-down chorus. There are enough structural changes, with tempo shifts and drop-out dynamics, to keep the song fairly interesting throughout. Not my favorite of theirs, but you can sorta hear the songwriting evolving with each new song.
Review by RYAN
ryan is a reviewer and news editor for TGEFM. He’s very secretive, he might be an alien.
