Personified by the love of free alcohol in weddings, a penchant for late night drive-thru sessions and zillennial pop-punk flair, up-and-coming four-piece band Good Grades has it all in their debut release entitled I Think I’m Thoughtful.
Conceptualized by relatives Timmy and Ryan Jacob — the latter of whom is in a bevy of musical projects ranging from ambient pop (Scriva), post-rock (Watch the World Turn) to alternative country (Cowboy Country Club) — their product of fuzzy guitar solos and whiny, self-deprecating vocal delivery serves up a promising pop-punk project that’s far and beyond from their easycore contemporaries.
Characterized by band shirts, gang chants and in-your-face introspective lyrics paired with strong melodic performances, Good Grades arrives at your front porch with an attitude akin to the adventurous sub-genres of pop-punk made in Parañaque City, such as Neverdie, Irrevocable, and Import the World.
At its surface, I Think I’m Thoughtful is a tribute to all that’s been cherished and loved in VH1 pop-punk à la Fall Out Boy and Boys Like Girls, but at times it clings on its experimental side: curveball riffages and lyrical themes that would alienate the typical pop-punk listener. However, Good Grades is dipping their toes in a genre that aims to be elevated under their terms, and with reason that would put the band in considerable attention for their take on the music.
I Think I’m Thoughtful balances those ideas with the help of their bandmates that either bond in the studio with pizza on hand, or a nerdy reference randomly mentioned throughout the recording sessions. “SFMD” showcases their frontman, Timmy Jacob, and his belting highs that are partly graceful and mildly shrill at first listen. The easycore influenced breakdowns midway in the track feels a bit jarring at first listen. But at the greater extent of this five-track EP, the listeners wouldn’t anticipate the more unpredictable turns it would showcase later on.
The title track “I THINK I’M THOUGHTFUL” and “USED 2” exemplifies the band’s attempts at providing unique traits to their musicianship: thrashing guitars layered above acoustic guitars, a whimsical synth line, and a whole lot of breakdowns emphasizing the strong moments throughout the EP. Even so, the aforementioned blemishes and effects of both tracks barely creates a strong impression due to its disjointed songwriting structure. Good Grades’ never-say-die attitude is what made this band commendable in the first place — ideas that are ripe enough to present the more promising side of I Think I’m Thoughtful.
“SILVER SARUMAN” yearns for living a life beyond the confines of the “27 Club,” an elusive list of celebrities who died at age 27. It’s do or die for both Timmy and Ryan Jacob, the chants are more catchy, the riffages resonate more, and finally the EP picks up from here. At this point in the project, they do not seem to rest on their laurels. Good Grades continues to charm with the fantastic closer “BEFORE THE METAVERSE…” The acoustic guitars throughout its epic breakdowns ooze charisma while it bookends the EP, acting as a safety net for all the chaos that ensues from its vocal parts to the pounding percussions.
Good Grades’ I Think I’m Thoughtful is a debut EP of two sides: the first half being a stumble in their comfort zones, and the other goes all out in energetic punk fashion.
