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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Marisa In Pink – “Sitting On the Floor”
Laptop Punk Records, 1 August 2021
“Sitting On the Floor” is another strumming number from Marisa In Pink. The song has a singalong melody anchored with Marisa's voice and some backing vocals from Grim Deeds and the words they sing are a melancholic call for help. There's a real wounded feel to Marisa's voice that really helps the song land as it was meant to. This isn't the buzzing pop punk stuff we're used to from Laptop Punk, but the lyrics and melodies fit in just right alongside the music made by label mastermind Grim Deeds.
Review by RYAN
Urethane – “Gravity”
Cyber Tracks, 11 August 2021
“Gravity” is a mid-tempo pop rocker that honestly reminds me a bit of a Matt Skiba-sung Alkaline Trio number. The vocal melody hits a lot like that and the guitars do the same. That said, I like the vocal melody and the backing “ahh” vocals quite a lot. The drums hit right and the guitar accents and lead guitar help set off the song. It feels a little clean and less ragged than I oftentimes like in my music, but I like this one.
Review by RYAN
Deviates – “Wasted”
Midline Records, 17 August 2021
Deviates “Wasted” is a blistering fast piece of California melodic hardcore. The chorus is going to get stuck in some heads with vocals that draw and carry a little like The Offspring's Dexter Holland and there's enough rhythmic variation and guitar noise (and some really interesting lead guitar ghosting through the background) to keep the song from wearing out it's high-energy welcome.
Review by RYAN
The Pigeon Boys – “My Heart Is Beating For You”
Monster Zero Records, 19 August 2021
The Pigeon Boys have a pretty melodic mid-tempo number on their hands with “My Heart Is Beating For You”. The vocals bring the hooky goods, with repetitive singalong lines (“don't give it up”) and backing vocals that harmonize and sound just right anchoring the backdrop. They also toss in some much-loved handclaps. This is punk with a strong ear for pop rock of years past. I think I'll be singing along with this one in my head even after the one listen. So now I'm gonna have to listen to it again. And again.
Review by RYAN
Drain – “Watch You Burn”
Epitaph Records, 25 August 2021
Drain's pulverizing (as if we should expect anything else) new song stomps in a groove with an incessant guitar and bass combo that is heavy as shit and drums that pummels with ferocious abandon, hammering the groove deep into my skull. And the ravaged and wailing screams and yells of singer Sam Ciaramitaro keep me all in. It's brutal and aggressive and I'm sure goes over like gangbusters live. I've liked their other stuff, and I like this one, too.
Review by RYAN
ryan is a reviewer and news editor for TGEFM. He's very secretive, he might be an alien.