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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Classic Pat – “Horseplay Leads to Cletus Covers”
Laptop Punk Records, 22 May 2021
On which Classic Pat (Patrick McVay of The Putz) knocks out a couple of Cletus covers. “When I’m Gone” bops by with some of my favorite lead guitar I’ve heard this year. It’s fantastic and the vocal melody (and backing vocals) are pure earcandy. It’s so pop and is gonna call me back quicklike. “Eight Ways To Hate You” is a slightly slower number with that catchy count-up bit and, like the first, dripping with great lead guitar. Both play the originals straight and hold up well. Good stuff.
Favorite song: “When I’m Gone”
Review by RYAN
Fatrace – “Bertamasya”
Chandrabaga/OUTLOUD! Records, 4 June 2021
“Bertamasya” comes from Indonesian pop punks Fatrace, who have a new album called Tropical Pleasure on the way. This new one is a super-melodic and catchy song in the same vein as the stuff found on last summer’s excellent Swell Crusher. Like the rest of their stuff, the guitars buzz and leave a mark, the drums keep a simple bashing beat and do nothing silly, and the vocal hooks are positively infectious. It’s just some of the best pop punk around these days. Really looking forward to the full length.
Review by RYAN
Gnawing – “So Glad”
Refresh Records, 1 June 2021
My gosh does this sound like Dinosaur Jr. Shambling slacker buzz music with just the right amount of melody in the vocals. There’s even a bit of that lazy drawl to the lead singer. The drums tumble over themselves and the back-and-forth between gorgeous big open chords and quick hits of chug are executed perfectly. I’m just left looking around for the searing J-esque guitar solo. But this is a real good Dino Jr. rip. Bonus points for the line “I’m so glad you find me funny, if you’re a bee, I’ll be your honey”.
Review by RYAN
Hayley & the Crushers – “Cul-de-Sac”
Kitten Robot Records, 1 June 2021
“Cul-de-Sac”, where Hayley & The Crushers continue to dabble in distinctly 80’s pop vibes with just a touch of surf. The vocals sing a great melody on the chorus as the backing vocals harmonize gorgeously and the music keeps up just right. The repeated bridge figure is good, too, but the chorus is the moneymaker. It sounds like 80’s pop radio to me, but I’d have a lot more affection for 80’s pop radio if this is what it really sounded like.
Review by RYAN
Wednesday Bender – “I Get Down”
Self-released, 1 June 2021
This one’s a rollicking song with a pretty infectious melodic bassline. The gravelly, strained vocals and backing shouts of “I get down” are hard to get out of your head and it’s got a real charm to it’s sloppy pop punk sound. There’s nothing terribly new or innovative here, but it’s a fun and catchy good time. Good to check out.
Review by RYAN
