EP REVIEW: My First Time – My First Time

‘…a brilliantly fun and genuinely cutting listen that captures precisely how it feels to grow up during the death throes of late-stage capitalism…’

Anybody invested with the indie scene of the UK is probably sick of hearing about bands being declared the “saviour of” or “the next big thing in” said scene. Unfortunately, such people will have to brace themselves to hear such a sentiment once more as we dive into the debut EP of My First Time. The Bristolian four-piece have been flirting with ideas from post-punk, dance punk and indie rock since 2023, and since then have found themselves cultivating quite the reputation as a live powerhouse of an outfit with a studio discography to match. That continues to be the case on their absolutely electrifying eponymous debut, serving as the perfect experience for your first time.

Acerbic observational wit collides with genuinely gut-wrenching ruminations on the state of modern youth to create the ultimate four-track soundtrack for nihilistic dance-floors; vocalist Isaac Stroud-Allen is able to conjure up a hedonistic arrogance just as easily as he is able to offer a disconcerting, vulnerable hopelessness. Vibrant synth-driven bombast intermingles with Radiohead-esque melancholy as the band force you to experience both the high and the heavy comedown; the versatility is unexpected, but executed effortlessly.

Opening cut ‘Picture Of Health‘ is a crackling explosion of reckless abandon, as dangerously infectious hooks are laid out atop of a groove-laden, maximalist backdrop that pounds with an alternative rock furore. A stripped-back bridge pierces through the dense layers of vape smoke and cocaine like a moment of clarity, before the party rages on once more. ‘The Kids Are‘ exists in a similar vein, but takes a step-back to a third-person perspective, Stroud-Allen explaining that of course the youth are disengaged from the world, because the world continues to be a perpetual nightmare of man-made horrors that they have no power to change. The chorus glitters with a power-pop sensibility, pulled forwards by simple yet punchy guitar riffs and a ceaseless stomping rhythm.

‘Celebrity‘ is a ridiculously fun little cut, delving into parasociality against a backdrop of wonky guitar riffs, blown-out bass, and unrepentant, thumping percussion. It is a completely overblown track, with every aspect dialled up way beyond 11, but it works perfectly with the sonic palette that My First Time possesses. Then, to round things off, the band sculpt a surprisingly emotive closer in the form of ‘Wellington Boots’, as Stroud-Allen chases scraps of dopamine in a dance with depression and disenfranchisement. The glittering guitar work and dense mixing gives the track a gorgeously heartbreaking feel; a slow credits scroll in the pouring rain. It is a magical work of art that, even given the nuts and melancholic nature, is the undoubted highlight of the record.

Whether My First Time go on to become the next big thing in indie is entirely down to the whims of fate; there are never any guarantees in the world of music. However, if any band deserves to become the voices for Gen Z’s indie scene, then it is surely these four musicians. ‘My First Time‘ is both a brilliantly fun and genuinely cutting listen that captures precisely how it feels to grow up during the death throes of late-stage capitalism; a collection of anthems for doomed youth that demands to be played as obnoxiously loud as possible. The kids aren’t alright, but that’s okay.

RATING: 79/100

For Fans Of: Yard Act, DEADLETTER, Wet Leg, The 1975, Razorlight

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // TikTok // Bandcamp