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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TV Cop – “Bad Brain”
Self-released, 17 December 2021
I love this new TV Cop song. “Bad Brain” has a sorta quirky grunge vibe to it. The vocal melody is absolutely infectious as it bounces around over some quirky quiet-ish music before the whole thing bangs out with a singalong chorus, a bunch of lead guitar fireworks, and some slow-stomped drums. If you liked TV Cop Smokes Weed, you’ll like this one. TV Cop just knows how to do this shit right.
Review by RYAN
Proton Packs – “Junkie Robot Christmas”
Self-released, 19 December 2021
A little seasonally late on this one, but Italy’s Proton Packs offer up a nice little Christmas number with “Junkie Robot Christmas”. It sports a memorable repeated refrain and sleigh bells that really put on a show during the song. Some lead guitars shine and are almost as hummable as the melodic synths that buoy up the rhythm guitars throughout the song. It’s another fun Ramones-indebted, Lillingtons-influenced song. I’ll be back to listen to this a few more times. Check it.
Review by RYAN
Ratbones – “Planet 010”
I Buy Records / Mom’s Basement Records, 19 December 2021
Italy’s Ratbones play a no frills sorta Ramonescore. Their efforts focus on pulverizing bass, chainsaw guitars, and steady simple drums, and they pull off the purist Ramones thing really well. “Planet 010” has a space vibe to it, and so they do throw on some laserlike effects and such, and the repeated refrain of “goodbye to earth, goodbye to you” (I think that’s what they’re singing) sticks like duct tape. It’s simple and good. Think of The Vapids and you’ve maybe got a decent idea of what you’ll get.
Review by RYAN
Noodle Brain – “Merry Christmas, Baby”
Self-released, 18 December 2021
Though the pickings are slim, the stuff I’ve heard from Illinois pop punks Noodle Brain has been fun. On this one, another I’m late getting to, the band takes on The Beach Boys song “Merry Christmas, Baby”. I really love the original and the buzzing punked up take here is a good time with slight surf accents and a fun vocal melody that is singalongable like I hoped. While it’s missing the gorgeous harmonies and the clapalong pop of the original, this one’s backing vocals are still endearing and it’s got a fun time spunk.
Review by RYAN
A Place To Bury Strangers – “Hold On Tight”
Ded Strange Records, 9 December 2021
A Place To Bury Strangers bludgeons with guitar noise straight outta the gate on “Hold On Tight”. When the music quiets a bit (relatively, at least), guitar noises, notes, and melodies shoot across the chaotic din like fireworks going off in the distance while the vocals offer up stoic ruminations alongside simple near-industrial style drums. If you know much of the band’s head-splitting post-punk, then you know what to expect. This one delivers decently. Special kudos to the lead guitar that comes forward around the 3:30 mark.
Review by RYAN
