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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Deaf Lingo – “Sleeping”
Lövely Records, 10 December 2021
Italy’s Deaf Lingo gets by on some great rock and roll guitars right outta the gate on “Sleeping”. A bit punky, a bit garage-y, and really melodic. I like the shouted vocals, too. There are some hooks inside and an energetic infectiousness that is really endearing. Some of the change-ups will grab you as well: the slowed stomp early in the second minute, the driving guitar lead and woo-hoo vocals during the go-away. The energy is palpable and the song is a bunch of fun.
Review by RYAN
Dave Strong – “Come On Everybody / Nights In Jail”
Laptop Punk Records, 15 December 2021
Dave Strong’s lead-off on this 2-song single, “Come On Everybody”, is a cover of the great Eddie Cochran song, and Strong does it justice. He hits his rockabilly stride with a popping upright bass, guitars that do their job, and a reverbed vocal take that fits the vibe well. The second one, “Nights In Jail”, is an amped up song that leans a little more punk, but keeps some rockabilly thing going. Kinda reminds me of All doing “Hot Rod Lincoln”. I’m pretty limited in my rockabilly affections, but this release does the trick.
Review by RYAN
Pom Pom Squad (featuring Matthew Caws of Nada Surf) – “Popular”
City Slang, 15 December 2021
I’ve gotta admit: I absolutely loved this song when it hit (and still do); I even loved the whole Nada Surf High/Low album. Pom Pom Squad pull it off admirably (and with the help of Nada Surf’s Matthew Caws). From the almost sludgy fuzz guitars to the great female vocals, the song has just the right levels of detachment, but a slight tinge of desperation or derangement pops through sometimes, too. It’s an honest take, but I really enjoy it. Kudos taking on such a song and destroying it so good.
Review by RYAN
Animal Collective – “Walker”
Domino Recording Co., 14 December 2021
I’ve been away from Animal Collective for a while now. But “Walker” is hitting all the right spots. It has a really playful xylophone(?) melody and a loose live performance vibe with just the right bit of haze. The vocal melody is pretty sing-song and sinks in pretty nicely, as do the gorgeously twisted harmonies. I really liked the earlier single “Prester John”, but I think I like this even more. I guess I’m back on board and excited to hear the rest of the upcoming Time Skiffs when it hits.
Review by RYAN
Grimetime – “Human Show”
Self-released, 19 December 2021
“Human Show” seems to be the first single from Grimetime’s upcoming 2022 album. It’s got a bunch of buzz and propulsion to it and some well sung melodic vocal hooks and ends up reminding me of a good Lillingtons song. It sounds like a real step forward from their good 2018 album I Think We Could Do Better and at a little less than a minute long, you’re not out much if you give it a try. I like it a lot.
Review by RYAN
