First Impressions is a collection of whiz-bang reviews of singles, 7″s, EPs, and LPs which are given a review after a single listen. This is a great way for TGEFM to showcase some of the releases which may not get a full review on their own.
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Rimmingtons – “Baby Rey”
Endless Detention Records/Hey Pizza! Records/DUMB Records, 30 May 2022
“Baby Rey” is a buzzing pop punk number with all the important parts checked off. The guitars are serrated and the chord progressions are fun, the song has sections that switch things up (see: the 1-2 stomp that pops up and the melodic slow-way-down at the end), and best of all, the vocals are catchy in the phrasing and melodic, reminding me just a tad of MXPX’s “I’m Okay, You’re Okay”. Oh, and the backing vocals are great, too. As an intro to Rimmingtons, this is a good one.
Review by RYAN
The Thorazines – “A Day In Paradise”
Self-released, 30 May 2022
I always enjoy Thorazines songs. They are loaded with pop hooks and bash, but they also have the requisite grit and power that I’m wanting. This one’s no different. It leans hard into power pop melodies and stomps along at a solid mid-tempo. The guitars sound great with some melodic chimes coming into frame and the gruff vocals carry a sweet singalong. This one has power and a nostalgic melancholy lilt, making “A Day In Paradise” another worth-your-time entry.
Review by RYAN
Pulley – “The Golden Life”
SBÄM Records, 13 May 2022
Pulley gets lots of love from 90s punks, but they’re a band I’ve mostly missed out on, except for Punk-O-Rama songs (I loved “Cashed In”, but didn’t dig further). The Golden Life, their first new one in 7 years, is also the first full Pulley album I’ve listened to, and I’ve gotta say I think I maybe messed up. Golden is loaded with catchy skatepunk songs that revel in energy and “whoa-ohs” and more melodic mid-tempo numbers. Lyrically, the theme seems to be the overcoming of personal struggles. I’m partial to opener, “Repeat Offender”. Time to catch up.
Favorite Song: “Repeat Offender”
Review by RYAN
Fish ‘n Friends – “Stuck on the Greens”
Laptop Punk Records, 06 Jun 2022
So as a fan of Lily Livers, this would be just what I’m expecting from Fish Tantrum. It’s got a ramshackle Replacements feel to it that could come off as sloppy to some, but instead plays with the fun feel of friends hanging out in the backyard and spontaneously picking up instruments to entertain themselves for the night. The melodies are absurdly catchy throughout and I think I’m gonna be singing along after another listen or two. Special points for the guest vocals from Lesser Creatures Nick Spoon, another of my favorites, who adds a gruff melody. Highly recommended.
Review by RYAN
A Vulture Wake – “Kingdom”
Thousand Islands Records, 10 Jun 2022
I like Chad Price’s (All, Drag The River) voice and that’s what brought me to giving this album a try. A Vulture Wake plays technical punk rock (not typically my fave), with some incredible guitar leads and solos that I can’t wrap my head around and time signatures and drum fills that are at times flat-out intimidating. Over it all, Price’s vocals sound really good. If complex and technical punk rock is your thing, I’d imagine this will go over well. For what it’s worth, I went back and listened to the first LP by the band prior to listening to this, and I gotta say, this one sounds more coherent, like all the pieces fit better.
Favorite Song: “Moths”
Review by RYAN
ryan is a reviewer and news editor for TGEFM. He’s very secretive, he might be an alien.
