Greg Mendez’s First Time / Alone EP delivers a hauntingly beautiful listening experience that feels more like a glimpse into the artist’s soul than a polished product. Recorded on a four-track in his small West Philadelphia apartment, the EP channels a deep, unfiltered emotion that radiates authenticity. Each track unfolds like a part of Greg’s journey, creating an arc that begins with the sombre tones of “Mountain Dew Hell” and closes with the fragile and pitched-up vocals on “Pain Meds.”
What sets First Time / Alone apart is its tactile and handmade essence. Greg’s approach is minimalistic yet deeply personal and creates a sonic landscape that feels intimate yet spontaneous. The sparse instrumentation and raw production make one feel like you’re right there in the room with him, witnessing the creative process unfold in real time. It’s this vulnerability that makes the EP so gripping. There’s a weight to the music, as though each note has been pulled from a place of genuine feeling.
Greg’s lyrics weave vivid imagery and touch on themes of loss, grief, and fleeting moments of connection. But what’s wonderful is his ability to balance these darker elements with an undercurrent of tenderness. His songs, while steeped in the grittiness of real life, also shine with an unexpected sweetness that captures the resilience of the human spirit.
First Time / Alone is a moving piece of work, one that reveals more with each listen. It’s a raw and intimate journey that balances grit with unexpected tenderness.
