First Impressions is a collection of whiz-bang reviews, primarily of shorter albums (EPs and singles) 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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Review: Noodle Brain – “Noodle Brain EP”
Laptop Punk Records, 28 February 2021
Illinois’ Noodle Brain is pretty much Drew Seiter and this EP gives off an unwavering pop punk vision. The songs have some cool buzzsaw (and sometimes surfy – see “Parasite”) guitar bits and the vocals sound just right with the music. Most importantly, the songs bounce and pop and are all pretty good. “All in your Head” and “Parasite” are superhooky. And I love the melody and vocal phrasing on “She’s a Psychopath”, in particular. That song won’t get out of my head. Oh, and the lead guitar line on the instrumental closer “Winter Break” is pure gold. Check it.
Favorite song: “She’s a Psychopath”
Review: Shark Bait – “Better Late Than Never”
Self-released, 26 February 2021
“Better Late Than Never” is admittedly the first I’ve heard of Shark Bait. The song has a pretty singalongable melody and an early 2000’s pop punk/pop emo vibe. It’s not really the kind of thing I find myself on the lookout for, but the recording is pretty good and polished, the music is plenty capable, and there is a sort of infectious lead guitar melody that’s cool. If you are in the habit of reaching for records by Taking Back Sunday and the like, this is worth checking out.
Favorite song: “Better Late Than Never”
Review: Down Memory Lane – “Pandemic Rockabye”
Self-released, 26 February 2021
Canada’s Down Memory Lane have a pretty solid melodic/skatepunk song on their hands with “Pandemic Rockabye”. They play with lots of pace, a couple of nice hesitations that land as hooks, and some really expected but good vocals. They even throw in some cool guitar lead and a Trump sample. This fits in alongside a lot of the late 90’s Epitaph and Fat Wreck Chords stuff. Having not heard the band before (and based on my poor band name judgments), this wasn’t what I expected, but it’s pretty good skatepunk for the now.
Favorite song: “Pandemic Rockabye”
Review: VonErichs – “Figure Four”
Mom’s Basement Records, 6 March 2021
VonErichs second single from their upcoming First Blood record is another persistent ripper, loaded with draw-you-in vocal melodies, gruff backing vocals, and great harmonies. The music is driving punk rock with steady-as-she-goes drums and bass, buzzing rhythm guitar, and this insistent guitar lead that manages to lock in hard and not let go, much like Greg “The Hammer” Valentine did with his own famous “figure four”. Sure, it’s a goofy song about pro wrestling, but it’s a fun goofy song about pro wrestling. Like their lead single “Repo Man”, this one stokes the fire for the full length.
Favorite song: “Figure Four”
Review: Local Drags – “Breakable”
The Machine Shop/Stardumb Records, 26 February 2021
“Breakable” is more great power pop from Springfield, Illinois’ Local Drags. Muted guitars adorn the verses and the bridge pauses just enough to heighten the anticipation before the chorus goes into fantastic power pop territory. Just pure guitar pop goodness. The drums bounce, the lead guitars sink their teeth in, and the vocal melodies are glorious. I think I’m going to be listening to this a bunch while I’m driving with my windows down this summer. Has me super excited for the upcoming Keep Me Glued full length.
Favorite song: “Breakable”
ryan is a reviewer and news editor for TGEFM. He’s very secretive, he might be an alien.
