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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Cock Sparrer – Hand On Heart
Pirates Press Records – 5 April 2024
If you’re not familiar with this UK legendary band that has been at it for 52 years, well then, it’s never too late. It you have truly never heard them, I would first start with their 1982 release “Shock Troops” as in my opinion, this is one of the best Oi! punk albums and arguably the start of the streetpunk or Oi! sound. “Hand On Heart” is the band’s 8th and final studio album and so I had to check it out.
Why you want it: You know what you are getting with Cock Sparrer and although it may not be all great, it’s never bad.
Why you don’t: This isn’t much of a departure from what they have done before, so if you are not already a fan, this probably won’t change that.
Top Tracks: “Rags To Riches”, “Here We Stand”
Review by RIZCHEX
Cold Years – A Different Life
MNRK UK – 26 April 2024
I called Cold Years’ Paradise the most authentic Jersey record of the year despite being a Scottish band in my 2020 review, this album was recorded in Jersey and has a much more Berkeley feel. (I think that means they’ll have circumnavigated the globe over the next 2 records)
Why you want it: A great driving album with high sing-along value and the album will keep you air drumming all over your steering wheel
Why you don’t: This is the album Green Day should have released in 2024, use that information as you will.
Top Tracks: “Radio” “Die Tonight” “Sick”
Review by Bad Dad
Froggy – Froggy
Self Released – 26 April 2024
Fast and bratty punk rock squeezing 4 dick-kicking tracks into under 9 minutes
Why you want it: A sincere blast of youth energy with elements of everything from Bratmobile and Bikini Kill to Dead Milkmen and even a bit of that Lindsey Lohan band from Freaky Friday.
Why you don’t: This reminds me a lot of the best punk band at an upper-middle class high school talent show. I enjoyed the shit out of it, but not everyone will.
Top Tracks: “Eat Me” “KMA” “Sinking”
Review by Bad Dad
Grumpster – Grumpster
Pure Noise Records – 26 April 2024
Dual vocals, rainy day melancholia and earnest charm make this an album you just can’t help but scream along to.
Why you want it: If there was an election for leader of the defend pop-punk movement in 2024, Grumpster deserves your vote
Why you don’t: Elements of the record feel like a bit like a newborn learning to walk, so if you want to wait until the band strengthens its legs a bit hold off until they steal the scene on the next one.
Top Tracks: “SSBpt2” “Just For Fun,” “Waste”
Review by Bad Dad
NOFX – Half Album
Fat Wreck Chords – 19 April 2024
This is the final chapter to the double album and was recorded at the same time. According to Fat Mike, “it just takes me a while to finish shit” and these aren’t just leftover songs. The EP is five songs about comedic and arrogant topics and includes one track that was first recorded by the Japanese punk band Hi-Standard, and one that was on the “Cokie The Clown” Fat Mike solo LP from 2019 which has been reworked for this release.
Why you want it: According to band this is not the last NOFX record, but it’s probably one of the last as they have one foot out the door.
Why you don’t: These may not be leftover songs, but you can see why some didn’t make the double album, and there is a 6+ minute long song.
Top Tracks: “I’m a Rat”, “The Queen Is Dead”
Review by RIZCHEX
Robotic Hawks – All Business
Marbles Music – 2 April 2024
New Hampshire 3-piece power-pop group’s new four song EP.
Why you want it: It’s only $2, that’s 50 cents a song, and it has a sweet cover of a Terence Trent D’Arby song.
Why you don’t: You don’t know who Terence Trent D’Arby is.
Top Tracks: “Cab Ride”, “Wishing Well”
Review by RIZCHEX
Superchunk – Everybody Dies / As in a Blender
Merge Excellent Record Jams / Pulse Point Music – 5 April 2024
Superchunk may be getting older (we all are) and even though we are all going to die someday, they figured out a way to make a song about it very upbeat. The B-side track is a cover of an Alastair Galbraith song that’s a little more electric.
Why you want it: It takes a not so fun topic of passing away and makes you feel bright about it.
Why you don’t: You don’t like songs about losing someone.
Top Tracks: “Everybody Dies”
Review by RIZCHEX
Taylor Swift – Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology
Universal Music – 19 April 2024
Unknown singer-songwriter puts out new record, its fantastic but still isn’t a top 3 of her career.
Why you want it: It’s Taylor Swift, y’all. Thats the selling point you need.
Why you don’t: My half-wit uncle believes she is an anti-American, psy-op plant created in a lab to steal the election and eat your children… wait, that might be another selling point
Top Tracks: “Who’s Afraid Of Little Old Me” “Tortured Poets Department” “The Black Dog”
Review by Bad Dad
Townies – Of This I Am Certain
We’re Trying Records – 12 April 2024
Tight and perfectly balanced injection of lyricism and musicianship in the vain of The Movielife and Reach The Sky but like… new and somehow more fun because of its newness
Why you want it: With its clever turns of phrase and technical brilliance, its a lot like listening to Brand New… without the need to “separate the art from the person” (we hope)
Why you don’t: Smart, melodic, fun turn-of-millenium style pop-punk… I’m sure there are plenty of people that wouldn’t be into it, I just don’t want to know them.
Top Tracks: “Gallows,” “Dogyard” “Jake Hemmerlein”
Review by Bad Dad
