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.
Coruscants – A Rotation Late And A Credit Short
OUTLOUD! Records – 4 May 2024
The Coruscants are back with more Star Wars themed songs inspired by The Queers. This one doesn’t focus on any particular movies or series but the expanded Star Wars Universe, and done to music from A Day Late and a Dollar Short. It’s packed full of creative lyrics about the Hutt’s, IG-88, Naboo, Anakin, Siths, Rebels, order 66, Jedi mind tricks, and even Willrow Hood!
Why you want it: It’s Star Wars and The Queers, what more do I need to say.
Why you don’t: If your one of the two people who don’t like Star Wars.
Top Tracks: “Blast This Place”, “Willrow Runs Through Bespin”, “De Wanna Wanga”
Review by Rizchex
The Lemon Twigs – A Dream Is All We Know
Captured Tracks – 03 May 2024
Summery 60s pop-rock sound done to absolute goddamned perfection.
Why you want it: Do you realize how impressive it is to take a sound that’s been done to death for over 60 years and breathe fresh life into it? I do… because of The Lemon Twigs
Why you don’t: Does the pop-rock sounds of The Beach Boys and The Zombies unlock long buried trauma of your father shouting because you couldn’t read the map fast enough on a family road trip? This gem will unlock all that same shit, save yourself.
Top Tracks: “Sweet Vibration,” “My Golden Years”
Review by Bad Dad
One Step Closer – All You Embrace
Run For Cover Records – 17 May 2024
Fuck therapy this week, get in the pit and be angry-sad with this melodic hardcore delight.
Why you want it: We all could use the aggressive catharsis this album provides, like Christian Slater movies shown late night on TBS, this just makes the world a better place.
Why you don’t: Do you take offense to maudlin aggression? Probably not for you.
Top Tracks: “Your Hazel Tree,” “The Gate”
Review by Bad Dad
Personal Damage – Violent Ritual
Sorry State Records – 30 April 2024
This is five fast songs that are hard, grungy garage punk, and I mean fast, the longest song is 1:19.
Why you want it: It’s like Gang Green mixed with Screeching Weasel and a little The Queers tossed in.
Why you don’t: You like your punk slow and soft.
Top Tracks: “Violent Ritual”, “The Rise and Fall”
Review by Rizchex
Rad Owl – Rage Gracefully
Self-Released – 31 May 2024
Pitch perfect melodic punk from scene-vets, perfect for the 96-98 Warped Tour crowds.
Why you want it: Remember at that show when you were 17 and someone handed you a sampler that was mostly shit but then you found that one band and you fell in love and hunted out everything they ever released? Rad Owl would be that band today if digital didn’t kill the compilation stars.
Why you don’t: Remember how you were the only putz that hated the THPS2 soundtrack? You’ll hate this brilliant bopper too.
Top Tracks: “Always Eyes,” “Run It Out”
Review by Bad Dad
Say Anything – …Is Committed
Dine Alone Records – 24 May 2024
Max Bemis is back and as emotionally unbalanced and musically brilliant as ever.
Why you want it: This is the most manic and sincere Say Anything record in over a decade… the kind of record that will have you giggle-crying from start to finish.
Why you don’t: Its Max Bemis at his manic and sincere best… no pretending, no filter and no lack of self-awareness. Need some tough guy posturing and gutteral screams to feel emotionally connected? Not here bub, keep walking.
Top Tracks: “Psyche” “ We Say Grace In This Goddamned Band, Mister”
Review by Bad Dad
Frank Turner – Undefeated
Xtra Mile Recordings – 3 May 2024
Folk-punk troubadour doesn’t hold anything back as he takes the next steps after the “coming to grips” self-reconciliation of FTHC
Why you want it: Turner is as comfortable embracing his faults and vulnerabilties as Taylor Swift is in an old cardigan, and it allows him the ability to put forth some of his most fun and beautiful tracks.
Why you don’t: Its not necessarily the Turner you are used to after the last 9 albums, but change isn’t always a dirty word.
Top Tracks: “Never Mind The Back Problems” “Ceasefire” “Pandemic PTSD” “No Thank You For The Music”
Review by Bad Dad
