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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J Prozac – “Hey Hey Ole!”
Laptop Punk Records, 11 September 2021
“Hey Hey Ole!”, J Prozac's lovely wedding gift to Ole O'Brian (of The Evil O'Brians), has charming lyrics and I love the guitars that riff and ring and lead throughout. The bass lines are earworms as well and the percussion (a tambourine and a shaker) is just right for the song. The vocals (both lead and backing) sound heartfelt and warm, too. But best of all is the sentiment, making this maybe my favorite wedding toast I've heard.
Review by RYAN
The Jukebox Romantics – “Time To Fly”
Sell The Heart Records, 1 October 2021
“Time To Fly” comes out with a bunch of pep and a really great guitar hook. And the vocal hook is pretty endearing, too, it feels like it will end up an easy singalong. Backing vocals whoa-oh nicely, as well. The breakdown about halfway through makes for a sort of reset before launching back into form to come to a close. This one comes across as okay to these ears, and it's a fine romp, likely finding a lot of excitable listeners.
Review by RYAN
The Moans – “Astrozombies”
OUTLOUD! Records, 6 October 2021
Duh. “Astrozombies” is a great time. In Misfits hands, it rampages and croons and makes for a good fun time. In The Moans hands, it does much of the same, nailing all the brainwashing “whoa-oh's” that we've come to love from the song. The guitars sound like chainsaws and the abundance of crash cymbals lend a chaotic feel to the proceedings. And The Moans are smart to avoid trying to imitate Danzig's vocal bellow, putting their own stamp on the song. If you dig the original, it's certainly worth your time to check out The Moans take.
Review by RYAN
La Luz – “Oh, Blue”
Hardly Art, 1 October 2021
La Luz's “Oh, Blue” is the newest single from the band's self-titled upcoming album. It's a dreamy lullaby that twinkles and hypnotizes while guitars shimmer across the reverb. The lead guitar is tasty and tasteful, as is the melodic bass that falls over the steady backing. And the vocals are at once otherworldly and gorgeous, with backing “ooh wah's” and wonderful harmonies. I think I hear a little Mazzy Star in this one. If you're looking for a bunch of energy, look elsewhere. But if you want something gorgeous to listen to after dark, this might be the one.
Review by RYAN
Dave Strong – “The Nightcrawler”
Laptop Punk Records, 7 October 2021
On “The Nightcrawler”, the emergent Dave Strong starts as a swaggering Halloween Western. The intro meanders for about a minute with tremolo-laden guitars that sound made for a lazy day in 1880's Kansas. Once that closes, the tempo picks up and gallops with energy and buzz, but retaining the sort of haunted cowboy vibe throughout, right down to a pinpoint guitar lead that twangs just so. Maybe reminds me a bit of certain Social Distortion, or better yet, Gun Club. I like this change-up. It's a different animal from his previously released Ramones romp, but it's a good time.
Review by RYAN