This, That, and The Others - First Impressions

This, That, and The Others

First Impressions
self-released; 2016

​3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen
​

Crosby Surmonte (drums), Connor Surmonte (bass), Taylor Jones-(guitar/keyboard) and Kenny Vest (guitar/omnichord) are This, That, and The Others. The band recently released First Impressions. Some of the songs feel like some sort of interpretation of the surf music from the band Dick Dale & The Del Tones. Most people will recognize the song “Misirlou" which was revived through the movie Pulp Fiction. The band also indulges in some psychedelic tendencies along the way.

The album is demo quality lo-fi recording. There is just no disputing that higher fidelity would have helped the delivery on a number of these tunes. That being said the band still has a number of inspiring moments.

First Impressions has some hits and misses. They start strong with a straightforward instrumental surf rock song called “Goin' up the Stairs.” Next up is “Summer Daze” which is a relatively catchy, fun song. The song emits summer vibes and good times with lyrics to back it up.

“Wasted Away” kind of sounds like the name. If they were hoping for the feel of the song to be like you drank too much they succeeded. The band goes off time but I couldn’t tell if that was intentional or not. “Slack-Jaw” and “Dust Bowl” are more or less in the style of Dick Dale & The Del Tones. Some songs feel silly like “Wildflower” and “Shark Attack.” I’m willing to bet these guys are silly (pokes tummy).

​The songs on this album felt like the band smoked a joint and just got done with their third beer. I’m not even exaggerating. There is this mellow yet I’m having a good time and don’t care what you think vibe to their songs. I’d hang out with these songs and the guys who made them.

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