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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Sloan – “Spend The Day”
Yep Roc Records, 17 Jul 2022
Power pop Canadians Sloan have a long history of hitting right with memorable hooks and timeless singalongs. The newest song, “Spend The Day”, has stuttered bouncy guitars that punctuate the verses, though these sections don’t really land with me – not sure what it is, but I find myself put off each go round. The song does really open up on the chorus with nice guitars and a memorable vocal hook, saving the song a bit and leaving me wondering what the rest of the upcoming album will sound like.
Review by RYAN
Fucked Up – “Strix”
Tankcrimes, 26 Jul 2022
Opening with synths, a tough riff, and pounding drums before Damian Abraham’s guttural growl comes in and demands some attention. It’s aggressive, violent, and feels almost a little industrial-like. I’m a fan of Fucked Up’s “experiments with hardcore” and the brutal layers and violent pulsing on this one seems right – sort of like an invading army making a slow and relentless push into a scared land. It’s unnerving and does the trick well.
Review by RYAN
Dave Strong – “I Still Think About You”
Laptop Punk Records, 06 Aug 2022
Dave Strong’s back with a new 3-song ep. The lead song, “Drunk Again”, opens with just a guitar and some vocals before breaking into a revved up rock n roll-almost-rockabilly number for the closing couple minutes. My favorites on this one come up next. “Katie” is more of a traditional pop punk Ramones-style song that could easily become a fun singalong the more I hear it. And the closer and title track sounds almost like Dave having a go at new wave, especially in the melodies. I like the high-powered pop and the vocals sound fantastic on this one.
Favorite Song: “I Still Think About You”
Review by RYAN
The Dutch Rudders – “110%”
White Russian Records, 02 Aug 2022
“110%” is an intense punk rock blast from the Belgian band The Dutch Rudders. The song is basically a repetitive Ramones-indebted song that reminds me of something I might hear from The Vapids – and that works so well for me. But the vocals are sung with a panic and desperation that almost pulls the song over into hardcore territory. An interesting mix, this. It’s not a singalong on first listen, and I don’t really see it becoming one. But it’s cathartic and absolutely a good time.
Review by RYAN
Chai – “MY DREAM”
Sub Pop, 03 Aug 2022
Japan’s Chai have gotten my attention before with their brand of irreverent super pop, particularly 2019’s PUNK. “MY DREAM” is a bit of a comedown song. It opens with a basic beat and some throbbing digital bass. Vocals join in singing a sneaky melody and dancing guitars join up with some atmospherics before it all drops back to the root beat and bass. It’s memorable enough melodically to be hummable given another listen or two. Not my favorite Chai song, but I like it nonetheless.
Review by RYAN
ryan is a reviewer and news editor for TGEFM. He’s very secretive, he might be an alien.
