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.
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The Abruptors – “Everything You Know Is Wrong”
Asian Man Records – 6 December 2024
I listen to The Abruptors and even reviewed their last album Noticeably Cheerless (click here to read it), but I wouldn’t call myself an expert on their music. That last record had a little more darker emotional tone from what I recall and was after some members departed the group. This album is fun and exciting, and just might be the bands best release yet.
Why you want it: Fun songs, great organ and sax playing, and the album is produced by Dan Potthast (MU330/ Bruce Lee Band).
Why you don’t: There are some strange little keyboard fills and as much as I love Mike Park, his little voicemail cameo sounded out of place to me.
Top Tracks: “Such A Mess”, “St. Louis”, “Perception”
Review by RIZCHEX
Heather the Jerk – “Not Very Motorcycle”
Certified PR Records – 6 December 2024
This is Heather Sawyer’s band, formally of the HUSSY, and I can’t confirm if she is in deed, a jerk or not.
Why you want it: It has a classic early punk sound mixed with 50/60’s rock which just makes you want to bounce around.
Why you don’t: You like your music to sound modern.
Top Tracks: “Parasites”, “La La Song”, “All I Know”
Review by RIZCHEX
Hub City Stompers – “Drinking Rage”
Jump Start Records – 6 December 2024
Jersey hooligan Ska, if you don’t know what this Ska subgenre is, then you haven’t listened to the Hub City Stompers and you should give this a spin.
Why you want it: Fun party songs with a touch from every ska wave that offers something for everyone.
Why you don’t: You don’t want to be associated with hooligans.
Top Tracks: “Bloodstream”, “Limbo”, “Cum & Get Out of My Life”
Review by RIZCHEX
Mega Infinity / Bad Mary (split) – “The Mega Bad Disaster Party”
Ska Punk International Records – 3 December 2024
Two Long Island female fronted ska bands came together for this 4 track EP of fun, rocking, upbeat party music.
Why you want it: If you like ska and are not familiar with one or both of these bands, this is a good chance to sample them.
Why you don’t: You prefer Long Island iced teas over Long Island ska music.
Top Tracks: “Let Me Drive My Van Into Your Heart”, “Disaster Party”
Review by RIZCHEX
Mustard Plug – “Hey”
Self Release – 13 December 2024
This is 8 tracks but they are calling it an EP, maybe that’s because it’s only 4 new songs. There is a cover of Fugazi’s “Waiting Room” and the other 3 are remixes or dub versions of songs off their previous LP Where Did All My Friends Go?. For some reason the vinyl version has one less dub track and adds another cover song. This review is for the streaming edition.
Why you want it: If you’re a Mustard Plug fan, this has four good new songs and a cover of one of the greatest songs of all time.
Why you don’t: The remix and dub versions are cool, but not necessary.
Top Tracks: “Hey”, “West Coast”
Review by RIZCHEX
Rude Television – “Disconnect”
XTRO – 4 December 2024
I don’t know anything about this band and couldn’t find too much other than they may be out of Florida. To me it sounds like if you combined X, Devo, The Dead Milkmen, and Stiff Little Fingers.
Why you want it: Everything about this is solid, if you like lo-fi garage punk, with some synth underlayment, a good amount of fuzz, just the right amount of echo, then this is for you.
Why you don’t: If you don’t like any synth in your punk rock.
Top Tracks: “Digital Frustration”, “Disconnect”, “Rat Bastard”
Review by RIZCHEX
Various Artists – “Shitter’s Full”
Coffin Curse Records – 3 December 2024
This album is a mixture of classic Christmas covers and some originals by bands like Reckless Threat, Squirtgun, Reno Divorce, Chupaskabra, The Downstrokes, The Accelerators, The Putz, and more. In-between the songs are clips from the movie Christmas Vacation.
Why you want it: You know why the carpet is all wet Todd.
Why you don’t: The way this was presented, one might expect songs that were inspired from scenes in the movie, not just clips from the movie mixed in with songs that have no connection to the movie.
Top Tracks: “Blue Christmas”, “I Hope You Get Coal”, “Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town”, Santa Is My Dad”
Review by RIZCHEX
Various Artists – “That Was The 80s Compilation”
This Is Just A Record Label – 3 December 2024
Punk Rock versions of 80’s classics.
Why you want it: If you’re old like me, born in the 70’s and grew up in the 80’s, you know all these songs. Even if you are a lot younger, you still should recognize the Op Ivy, Devo, and Billy Idol songs.
Why you don’t: You don’t care about the 80’s.
Top Tracks: “Everywhere”, “Kokomo”, “Kiss Me Deadly”, “Walk Of Life”
Review by RIZCHEX
Likes fine beer and cheap cheese. He has been a DJ, sound mixer for commercials and television, and currently designs motorcycle parts. He also has a habit of creating pastiche style cover songs and changing the chorus to incorporate “Jeff” or “Sorley.” (sigh… it’s true – Jeff)
https://www.instagram.com/rizchex_tgefm
