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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Matt DeeCrack – “Standing On My Head”
Self-released, 15 Apr 2022
Matt DeeCrack (of Austria's DeeCracks) is taking an acoustic turn. The lead single, “Standing On My Head”, comes from an earlier DeeCracks album, Sonic Delusions. For this take, Matt plays the song straight, keeping the structure in place just like the original. But without the buzzing guitars and propulsive rhythm, the song is laid bare. Acoustic guitars are played nicely with cool little embellishments throughout and Matt's ragged vocals give off a real authenticity that's endearing. I'll be honest and say that I don't tend to gravitate towards punk-goes-acoustic turns, but this isn't bad for that sorta thing.
Review by RYAN
The Budweisers – “Look Out Below”
Family Spree Recordings / Monster Zero Records, 13 Apr 2022
The new Budweisers song fits right in with their earlier stuff. The Spanish band tends to play around in the mid-tempo pop punk playbox. None of their stuff rips your face off with blistering speed, but it never sounds weak or saccharine either – it's got some power. Same goes for the new one “Look Out Below”. The song has a cool guitar riff that anchors everything down during the verses and the hook on the chorus has real staying power. I like this one quite a lot.
Review by RYAN
Much Madness – “Baseball Bat Hat”
Self-released, 12 Apr 2022
On their newest song, Much Madness seems to be taking out some angst against mullets. It's got a cool guitar during the middle section that escapes into a very brief slowdown before launching back into a revisit of the chorus, which itself adds backing vocal layers that add to the melody. I also like the bass popping outta frame during the rhythmic hook at the end of each bridge. This is fun stuff. (Side note: Much Madness is music done by TGEFM contributor Tom B. Bearded)
Review by RYAN
Warthog – “Four Walls”
Toxic State / Static Shock Records, 12 Apr 2022
Warthog makes pretty disgusting hardcore music that revels in the power and simplicity of Motorhead, but is maybe more vile and punishing. Guitar leads pang around, offering a bit of reprieve at moments. But this is the soundtrack to a flipped out sociopath driving his car through a crowded neighborhood street party or something. When it all slows down near the end, he comes back to reality and decides he's got no remorse. I'm not a big hardcore fan, but this does alright for me.
Review by RYAN
Guided By Voices – “Alex Bell”
Rockathon Records, 14 Apr 2022
“Alex Bell”, the new one by Dayton's Guided By Voices, is a seeming tribute to Big Star (see: Alex Chilton and Chris Bell, the songwriters from the band). The song is a highly melodic number with Pollard's voice in good form and the guitars insistent and standing out against the consistent pulse of the song. It goes on long for my tastes (and for most GBV standards). But it has several stop-and-go reset moments that make the song feel more like a collection of short story narratives rather than a monolith. I especially love the feel and melody that kicks in around the 3:40 mark (“I see you around everytime there's a ghost in town”). That part's fantastic.
Review by RYAN
ryan is a reviewer and news editor for TGEFM. He's very secretive, he might be an alien.
