When a TGEFM staffer just doesn’t have the time to write up a full review for an EP or LP, they can do a quick one for the Drive-by Reviews feature. Think of it like a Cliff’s Notes for reviews– You’ll get the gist of it without all of the verbiage.
Have an album or release you want reviewed? Send it to us HERE.
Billy Talent – Crisis of Faith
Spinefarm Records – 21 Jan 2022
Canada’s pop-punks brilliantly sprinkle some prog-rock diversity to extend their longevity.
Why you want it: The band remains consistently entertaining, but the new elements add a level of bombastic surprise to keep listeners engaged.
Why you don’t: If you are looking for drastic change or complete stagnation, you will be disappointed.
Top Tracks: “I Beg To Differ (This Will Get Better),” “End of Me”
Review by Bad Dad
Charlotte Sands – Love and Other Lies
PIVTAL Projects – 21 Jan 2022
Nashville’s viral sensation helps usher in the latest wave of pop-punk, more influenced by Avril Lavigne‘s pop than Milo Aukerman‘s punk.
Why you want it: Emotional, rangy and dancy fun for fans of Olivia Rodrigo and The Veronicas.
Why you don’t: Not intended for the gatekeepers and 924 Gilman crew.
Top Tracks: “Want You Like That” “All My Friends Are Falling in Love”
Review by Bad Dad
Side Out – Change of Turn
People of Punk Rock Records – 14 Jan 2022
Orlando punks dip toes into multiple genres without ever sounding confused or without purpose.
Why you want it: Do you like melodic skate punk? Easycore? Post-hardcore? Now imagine them thrown in a blender with some nostalgic Warped elements, unyielding guitars and resolute vocals… it’s like that, only better.
Why you don’t: If you are reading TGEFM, there’s at least a metric ton of upside and zero downside to this outstanding EP.
Top Tracks: “Incendiary,” “Hear Me Out”
Review by Bad Dad
Kiefer Sutherland – Bloor Street
Cooking Vinyl Records – 21 Jan 2022
BI was so looking forward to using lines like “Suck my fat one, you cheap dime store hood,” “They’re Only Noodles, Michael” or the Jack Bauer classic “Dammit” unfortunately the album surprised me and mocking it makes me uncomfortable.
Why you want it: A shockingly well done dose of Americana from a truly unlikely source.
Why you don’t: There’s an inherent insincerity in the small-town American nostalgia from a British-born, Hollywood superstar who happens to be the son of two Canadian-born actors and grandson of the former Premier of Saskatchewan, but thats only if you think about it too hard.
Top Tracks:“Two Stepping in Time,” “Going Down,” “County Jail Gate”
Review by Bad Dad
Bad Dad (occasionally called Ed) has been on the periphery of the punk and punk-adjacent scene for over twenty years. While many contributors to this site have musical experience and talent, Ed’s musical claim to fame comes from his time in arguably the most punk rock Blockbuster Video district in NJ where he worked alongside members of Blanks 77, Best Hit TV and Brian Fallon. He is more than just an awful father to his 2 daughters, he is also a dreadful husband, a subpar writer, a terrible dresser and has a severe deficiency in all things talent… but hey, at least he’s self-aware, amirite?
Check out the pathetic attempts at photography on his insta at https://www.instagram.com/bad_dad_photography/
