James First – "James First" Album Review (2015)
Alright, buckle up, because this one’s a wild ride. James First by James First is that sneaky little punk rock gem from Germany that you didn’t know you needed in your life. Released in 2015 under Backbite Records, it’s got all the grit and grime of hardcore with just enough melody to keep your ears hooked. Punk and hardcore are kinda like coffee—bitter but invigorating—and this album delivers both vibes in spades.
Let me hit you with two tracks that stuck in my brain like gum on a hot sidewalk: "Zero Tolerance Of A Birdbrain" and "Hatemongers In Disguise."
First off, “Zero Tolerance Of A Birdbrain” kicks things off with this raw, punchy energy that feels like someone just slapped you awake after a nap you didn’t mean to take. The riffs? Razor-sharp. The vocals? Like gravel being thrown at a windshield. It’s chaotic as hell, but there’s something oddly satisfying about how unapologetically loud and messy it gets. You can practically hear the sweat dripping off the band while they’re playing it. And honestly, isn’t that what punk’s supposed to feel like? Raw, real, no chill.
Then there’s “Hatemongers In Disguise,” which flips the vibe a bit. This one leans more into thought-provoking territory, calling out hypocrisy with lyrics sharp enough to cut glass. There’s this moment near the chorus where everything drops out except for the vocals—it’s haunting, man. Feels like getting called out for something you didn’t even realize you were guilty of. By the time the full band crashes back in, you’re ready to grab a picket sign and march somewhere. Not sure where, but somewhere.
The rest of the album keeps the momentum going strong too. Tracks like “Good Time So Far” bring some anthemic sing-along potential, while “Broken Heart” proves these guys can slow it down without losing their edge. Even the production has this DIY charm to it—like it was recorded in someone’s garage during a thunderstorm. Imperfect? Sure. But that’s what makes it so damn cool.
Here’s the thing about James First: it’s not gonna win any Grammys or whatever. It doesn’t need to. What it does do is remind you why music like this matters—it’s honest, unfiltered, and straight from the gut. Listening to it feels less like entertainment and more like eavesdropping on a bunch of friends venting their frustrations into microphones.
So yeah, if you’re into punk and hardcore with teeth, give this album a spin. Just don’t blame me if your neighbors start complaining about the noise. Oh, and fun fact: I listened to this whole thing while trying to assemble IKEA furniture. Let’s just say neither of us came out unscathed.
