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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Ratbones – “Johnny Lawrence”
I Buy Records / Mom’s Basement Records, 12 May 2022
The newest Ratbones offering has some real deal new wave-style synths over top the Ramones-inspired guitar-bass-drums set up in this tribute to Cobra Kai villain Johnny Lawrence. The ragged vocals carry a nice melody and the music is bright and infectious punk rock. I’ll admit, the purist in me leans just slightly towards the previous singles that left the synths put away. But maybe that’s just dumb, cos this is good.
Review by Ryan
The Manges – “High On Stress”
Striped Records / Hey Suburbia Records, 13 May 2022
Chances are, if you know The Manges Ramones-aping type of thing, you’ve already got your mind made up. For me, I absolutely love their stuff. “High On Stress” does what so many of the best Manges’ songs do. There’s the good punk pace, the infectious guitar leads that dance around my brain long after the song ends, and some melodic lead vocals backed by gorgeous, surf-inspired backing vocals. If you want no frills singalong pop punk, look no further (and look forward to the upcoming Book Of Hate For Good People that it comes from).
Review by Ryan
Grim Deeds – “Shit for Brains”
Self-released, 16 May 2022
Let’s start this by talking lead guitar. The lead guitar that takes off right from the start is hooky infectious as it bounces over the buzzing guitars and fast drums. And the song’s funny lyrics kept me laughing (sample: “”I live my life, at everyone’s expense, was born an idiot, been dumb ever since”). I especially like the harmonizing vocals and rounds on the chorus. It’s the kinda pop punk goodness I’ve come to expect from Grim Deeds, and it keeps on working for me.
Review by Ryan
Starter Jackets – “All Too Well”
Rad Girlfriend Records, 13 May 2022
I tend to like Starter Jackets‘ sometimes new wavish power pop punk stuff, but I also have to be in the mood for something a little sugary to fall completely for it. Tonight I’m in the mood and “All Too Well” is sugary enough to give me the shakes. The verses have a sorta surprising melody at the end of each line, but the chorus, with the wavering and drawn out “ee”’s, are dumb catchy and stick around long afterwards. If you want pop, this’ll do the trick. If not, move along.
Review by Ryan
The Phase Problem – “Man Machine”
Mom’s Basement Records / Brassneck Records / Memorable But Not Honorable, 13 May 2022
I don’t know these Phase Problem people and this is my first time listening. The song has some chugging guitars through the verses going over top a just-above-mid-tempo pace. The vocals are pretty forefronted and they throw in some good lead guitar as they go on with some sci-fi lyrics. And it’s pretty pristine in the sound and production. I’m not always good with comparisons, but something about this reminds me of a sci-fi Alkaline Trio. If that sounds intriguing to you, then give “Man Machine” a try.
Review by Ryan
ryan is a reviewer and news editor for TGEFM. He’s very secretive, he might be an alien.
