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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Avatar D – “Cyber Sapien”
Laptop Punk Records, 08 Sep 2022
Avatar D is the new project from Dan from The State Streeters. Debut single “Cyber Sapien” is an interesting song, with some pretty clean guitars playing a cool chord progression, a prominent and melodic bass, and persistent drums. Synths come in and add some otherworldly feel to the proceedings and the reverb around it all wraps the song in a sort of dreamlike gauze. The song itself is also really well-written and intriguing with enough to latch onto to get me coming back to listen again. And again.
Review by RYAN
The Young Hasselhoffs – “Quiet”
Mom's Basement Records / Rum Bar Records, 07 Sep 2022
“Quiet” is pretty simply a top-notch pop song. It's no sort of aggressive ripper or anything, instead relying on gorgeous and slightly melancholy melodies supplied by the almost-shimmering guitars, lead vocals and harmonies, and surprisingly effective synths. The chorus in particular has a sing-song quality that won't leave my head. If you want your punk to be a little blistering or agitated, I'd recommend you look elsewhere. But if you just wanna listen to a stand-up good song, check “Quiet” out.
Review by RYAN
Dan Vapid and the Cheats – “Sour Pauline”
Eccentric Pop Records, 07 Sep 2022
Right outta the gate, listen to that awesome rock and roll riff, the sound of Chuck Berry playing around with a modern punk sound. Dan Vapid and the Cheats routinely release great punk songs and albums that are aces. “Sour Pauline”, the first single from an upcoming album, has some throwback rock and roll feel to it (as described earlier, as heard in the keys, and in the guitar lead part way through). But the song has another catchy-as-can-be chorus sung perfectly by Vapid and supported with just-right backing vocals sparsely (but expertly) used. Good stuff.
Review by RYAN
Jobber – “Entrance Theme”
Exploding in Sound, 06 Sep 2022
“Entrance Theme” is the first time hearing Jobber, though I find myself routinely entertained by pro wrestling-themed bands. Unlike my usual pop punk in-take, Jobber seems to play around with pop grunge influences. The guitars are really fuzzy, the synths could come from an MTV “Buzz Bin” song circa 1996 or so, and the drums bash away pretty right. Also, I really dig the lead vocals, which pull off the sorta-ethereal-but-not-wimpy thing well. I rather enjoyed this song. If you grew up when I did, you might, too.
Review by RYAN
ryan is a reviewer and news editor for TGEFM. He's very secretive, he might be an alien.