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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Screeching Weasel – “Any Minute Now”
Striped Records / Rum Bar Records / Monona Records, 03 Jun 2022
The new single from the upcoming Screeching Weasel album is what you’d hope for after Some Freaks of Atavism. That album was melodic and catchy pop punk with typically snotty vocals, matched with really clean production. “Any Minute Now” is more of the same. It sounds so clean and good and the melodies knock it outta the park. Those who only like the slightly-more-raw early albums will wanna look elsewhere. But if you find yourself still liking the sugary and polished pop punk of recent times, this one’s for you.
Review by RYAN
Ratbones – “Teenage Confusion and Adult Delusion”
I Buy Records / Mom’s Basement Records, 20 May 2022
I’m a sucker for Ramones-inspired music beyond belief (if you haven’t caught on yet), and Europe has so many good bands that pull off the sound right. Among them is Ratbones, an Italian band that balances the trashed full-throttle music with the endearing catchy pop hooks. If you like this sorta thing, then Teenage Confusion and Adult Delusion will be a go-to. The songs are well-written, simple and propulsive with no bullshit filler to be found. That said, if great songs aren’t enough for you and you need something more innovative, I’d suggest looking elsewhere.
Favorite Song: “I Killed Dee Dee Ramone”
Review by RYAN
Jerk! – “Welcome To Sleepaway Camp”
Mom’s Basement Records, 10 Jun 2022
This new EP from Jerk! opens with “Sleepaway Camp”. That one has a good tempo, lots of buzzing riffs, and repeated “let’s go’s” and “whoa-oh’s” that stay in my brain. “PDX” goes at a similar pace and is pretty catchy in its own right. “92%” might be even faster and the gang vocals sell me. Closer “Walking Away Today” is the closest to a slow-down, going mid-tempo, but the chorus is pretty compelling. My only complaint is that it goes on a bit long for my attention span. Make no mistake – this is pop punk done right. Good stuff.
Favorite Song: “Sleepaway Camp”
Review by RYAN
Kelsey Badgrammer – “Boxcutter”
Self-released, 17 Jun 2022
The new Kelsey Badgrammer song, “Boxcutter”, is a clean pop punk number that leans hard into catchy hooks and solid songwriting. It opens with a handful of guitar strums and vocals reminiscing before the full buzzing band comes in. The guitars are of a simple and standard pop punk sort and they anchor an endearing vocal melody that doesn’t sound put-on or anything but genuine. It’s just a real good song.
Review by RYAN
Florida Men – “Florida Men”
Morning Wood Records, 03 Jun 2022
The Netherlands Florida Men are another catchy pop punk band with some solid edge and angst that keeps the music buzzing and ragged. Like much that I listen to, this comes down to your enjoyment of catchy songcraft and pop punk music in general. The album has great forward momentum and catchy hooks on several of the songs, but it also keeps up a fast pace that makes it a bit more aggressive than lots of other pop punk. If you still look for 90s pop punk-type bands (think The Apers), check this out.
Favorite Song: “Miami Girl”
Review by RYAN
ryan is a reviewer and news editor for TGEFM. He’s very secretive, he might be an alien.
