The Grimly Pleased, a five-piece powerhouse from Boston, Massachusetts, has dropped their new EP Give Some Kicks, following the release of their debut album Here For Pleasure in October 2023. This EP was released on September 20, 2024, recorded at The Record Company in Boston, and engineered, produced, and recorded by Mike Quinn. Available as a 10″ vinyl, the EP brings the heat with a wild sonic fusion of punk, country, garage, and rock—channeling the raw energy and attitude of the late ’90s.
If you’re a fan of music that hits hard with both energy and meaningful messages, Give Some Kicks delivers on all fronts. The EP opens with “Reap What You Sow,” a track that gives you a kick in the pants with its blunt, no-nonsense lyrics: “If you want to be trash, then go ahead and litter; if you want to glow, then go ahead and glitter.” It’s a reflection on the choices we make and the consequences that come with them, calling out the idea that our actions define who we are.
The track “And Now It’s Tomorrow” brings a more introspective vibe, exploring the regret of things left unsaid. “I didn’t do what I meant to do / I didn’t say what I meant to say”, the lyrics confess, showing the vulnerability we all feel when we don’t live up to our own expectations. But it’s not all heavy; the track has an optimistic undertone, with the hope of doing better tomorrow.
“Thank You Ben Morgan” is a fun, heartfelt tribute to the band’s sound engineer, Ben Morgan. With quirky lyrics and a nod to their behind-the-scenes experiences, the song captures the humor and genuine appreciation the band has for the people who help make their music come to life.
“How You Should Act” is a life lesson wrapped in a punk rock song. It’s all about self-acceptance and treating others with kindness. The chorus reminds us that when we like ourselves, the world becomes a better place: “When you learn to like yourself / Practice the Golden Rule / If you can do this every day / Everything will be cool.”
Overall, Give Some Kicks is an EP that packs a punch both musically and lyrically. The Grimly Pleased bring together gritty, powerful sounds with messages that stick. Whether they’re reflecting on personal growth, expressing gratitude, or calling out the world’s contradictions, they do it all with the energy and authenticity that makes punk rock so compelling.
Oh, and almost forgot to mention how amazing the cover art is—seriously, it’s such a cool design. The graphics used are like a children’s storybook, but with that punk rock edge, illustrating what happens to procrastinators. It’s definitely something that grabs your attention and adds a unique touch to the whole package.
The Grimly Pleade members:
Ed Charbonnier – bass and vocals
Adam Thorsell – vocals
Chris Busch – lead guitar
Ben Hunter – rhythm guitar and vocals
Anders Geering – drums
The Grimly Pleased social media:
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