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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Escape From The Zoo – “12 Rounds”
Fat Wreck Chords, 9 December 2021
I was just talking with a friend about my bias against anything ska or folk-punk. It mostly bores or annoys me. Escape From The Zoo’s “12 Rounds” maybe has a bit of both. Yet, somehow I think I like this. I dig the back-and-forth vocals from the husband-wife tandem (featuring Jesse Sendejas from Days N’ Daze, another band I’ve avoided due to my bias). The lyrics are thoughtful while the music bounces around, encompassing ska, folk, and crusty hardcore throughout. It kinda reminds me of Operation Ivy, not so much in pure music form, but in the borderless music authenticity.
Review by RYAN
Grumpster – “Crash”
Pure Noise Records, 3 December 2021
I’ve heard about Oakland’s Grumpster quite often, but have never actually listened to them. “Crash” leads-off with some melodic guitar notes before the whole band comes crashing in at a powerful mid-tempo. I don’t know why, but I love the guitar tone. When it’s left by its lonesome and is joined by heart-on-sleeve vocals, it really lands well. The song does the quiet-loud-quiet thing quite well and feels like it would slot in well alongside a bunch of the punk-indebted 90’s bands that I like (I’m thinking Superchunk and the like).
Review by RYAN
The Rieslinger – “Hot Wine In My Hot Tub”
Laptop Punk Records, 15 December 2021
Another new one from Germany’s The Rieslinger (Sid from Lookit, Martians!) has them doing a holiday-themed number with awesome bells signaling the message early on. From there, it goes mid-tempo with muted buzz guitars, nice sedated backing “ooh’s”, and a catch-all melody that feels familiar and engaging all at once. No overstaying the welcome here, it’s all done in a minute twenty and leaves a good impression to be sure.
Review by RYAN
Ralphie’s Red Ryders – “Pulverized”
Self-released, 16 December 2021
Ralphie’s Red Ryders are back again this year with some “Christmas Story” power pop punk. “Pulverized” has an endearing guitar lead and some fantastic lead/backing vocals combinations that are oh so tight. And the melodies they sing on lines like “I didn’t shoot my eye out this time” and “my glasses are pulverized” stick in my brain just right. Near the end, the music tames to a chug and the bass bubbles to the top and it’s memorable as can be.
Review by RYAN
The Thorazines – “One Of My Lies”
Self-released, 16 December 2021
With first-take sloppy, heavy and buzzing guitars, The Thorazines burn through a cool cover of one of my favorite Green Day songs. The bass comes through sometimes and the vocals shout along admirably, as do the almost gang-vocals backing it all up. The drums tumble and thump along high in the mix and it ends up an aggressive take on “One Of My Lies”. It’s a hot take, keeping the bones of the original intact without sounding like pure hero worship imitation (in other words, it sounds like The Thorazines playing Green Day, as it should).
Review by RYAN
