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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Animal Collective – “Prester John”
Domino Recording Co., 20 October 2021
There was a time when I ate up anything Animal Collective, right up through MPP. But it’s been a while for whatever reason, so I’m coming at this with a bit of hesitancy. “Prester John” is a gorgeous, hypnotic hymn, with layers of delicate texture and enough reverb to give off a late-night comedown feel. The textures are exquisitely balanced and uniquely clear. And the vocals are beautifully harmonious. It’s less beat-centric than the last Animal Collective stuff I remember hearing and reminds me of something from AC-affiliated Panda Bear circa Person Pitch. I was pleasantly surprised by this.
Review by RYAN
Lookit, Martians! – “Fourtwenty”
Laptop Punk Records, 31 October 2021
Lookit, Martians! newest single, “Fourtwenty”, comes from an upcoming album called Space Boogie. It opens with a sweet lead guitar over buzzing pop punk music that hits pretty right. The boy and girl vocals carry the melody nicely and the chorus is pretty sticky. This is plainly a catchy fun song that I find myself humming along to pretty easily and leaves me intrigued at the full-length prospects. Worth checking out.
Review by RYAN
Covert Flops – “Blundercover”
Mom’s Basement Records, 29 October 2021
Covert Flops “Blundercover” goes by in 57 glorious seconds. It bursts with a killer guitar riff and rhythmically phrased vocals and a singalong melody that digs in deep. And it’s all braced by a fast and simple drum-bass combo. Defcon 1-2-3-4 from a couple years back was a terrific record, and “Blundercover” has my ears perked for the upcoming Mission: Implausible. This is simply a pop punk song done right.
Review by RYAN
Randells – “Devil Night”
Self-released, 27 October 2021
Like most Randells stuff, “Devil Night” loves to play with some marvelously catchy guitar and vocal hooks and some of the better vocal harmonies in punk rock. There’s nothing particularly unique at play here, it’s just a fun Halloween song done right. And the key change in the second half, coupled with the lead guitar down the stretch, make for some memorable moments all the way through. This is a good one.
Review by RYAN
Sound&Shape – “Sugar the Pill”
Self-released, 5 November 2021
Nashville’s Sound&Shape are new to me. “Sugar the Pill” opens with a heavy drive and lots of crash cymbals before much of it drops away, leaving atmosphere and spare guitar notes. The vocals remind me of the singer from alternative band Live. In fact, I think Live is probably the closest reference point for me. The back-and-forth between quiet and heavy is played well and the music gives off the seemingly intended haunting/mysterious vibe. While this isn’t the sort of song that I’m really in to, it might land for people looking for a late-90’s alt-rock vibe.
Review by RYAN
