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.
Bass Drum Of Death – Say I Won't
Fat Possum Records, 27 Jan
Garage rock drenched in 70s ambiance and swagger.
Why you want it: A power-chord heavy blast of fun and pure rock charisma that we all need after the last few years.
Why you don't: This is a record overloaded with bar-bathroom scuzz and sweat, in other words its beautiful for anyone who appreciates rock made before 2001.
Top Tracks: “Find It,” “No Soul”
LOTEC – Squares!
Self-Released, 3 February
A nostalgic call back to the days when garage band was a description of sound not a software.
Why you want it: You know that happy feeling you get when you see your favorite mid to late 90s movie's party or amusement park scene? LOTEC took that scene's soundtrack and made it relevant again
Why you don't: The record isn't over-produced or overly serious which can be a turn off to some, but it is overwhelming enjoyable.
Top Tracks: “All The Ways” “Fuck Me Up”
M(H)AOL – Attachment Styles
Tulle Collective, 3 Feb
A sensational post-punk kick in the dick.
Why you want it: Blunt, conquering, cathartic and wholly informative, if you want to be a better human and better ally this is a blueprint to get there.
Why you don't: If you get your macho briefs in a bunch over Sam Smith dressing up like Problem Child on Halloween, the phrase “toxic masculinity” or the genitalia on a child's toy, you probably can't handle this slice of fuck-you joy.
Top Tracks: “Asking For It,” “Bisexual Anxiety”
New Found Glory – Make The Most Of It
Revelation Records, 20 Jan
An acoustic, intimate andnheart-string tugging take on the classic NFG sound dealing with Chad Gilbert's cancer diagnosis.
Why you want it: Lyrically, this is the heaviest NFG album, and you will love singing along to the fear, anxiety and hope it brings.
Why you don't: Don't come to this expecting the same high-energy you are used to , as Frost and others have said before, “Nothing Gold Can Stay”
Top Tracks:“Watch The Lilies Grow” “Kiss the Floor”
Palette Knife – New Game+
Take This To Heart Records, 20 Jan
Constantly evolving nostalgic pop Record done with perfection.
Why you want it: The is the quintessential emo fan's quintessential emo record, brimming with self-fulfilling prophecy and regret.
Why you don't: Steer clear if you aren't into pop-punk that puts a smile on your face while telling you the saddest tales.
Top Tracks: “Jelly Boi” ‘Damn Son, Dim Sum”
Paramore – This Is Why
Atlantic Recording Group, 10 Feb
Poppy emo-punks return with mature and enjoyable LP.
Why you want it: Still has all the fun and beauty of Hayley Williams' songwriting with the post-punk and indie-pop progressions one should hope for at this point in their career.
Why you don't: This isn't the Paramore you are expecting if you skipped Williams' solo releases to keep Riot on repeat. This is a band growing up.
Top Tracks: “Thick Skull,” “You First”
Parker's Burden – Tomorrow's Apocalypse, Today
Self-Released, 27 Jan
Pedal to the metal melodic punk throwbacks ready to take over skate-parks and national tours immediately.
Why you want it: The Warped Tour in 97 was pretty fucking great, right? So is this!
Why you don't: Production felt minimalistic and didn't do much to improve what you are hearing… but is it really supposed to on a record like this?
Top Tracks: “War's End,” “The Last”
Saturdays At Your Place – Always Cloudy
No Sleep Records, 20 Jan
A flawless update to the Midwestern emo sound.
Why you want it: This is what I imagine it would sound like if The Kinsella brothers if they were born in 95.
Why you don't: If you are one of those grizzled old punks crying about these damn kids on your emo lawn, you can skip this record, but it might be better to grow the fuck up.
Top Tracks: “fetch” “it's always cloudy in Kalamazoo”
Swiss Army Wife – Medium Gnarly
Really Rad Records, 6 Jan
Travel back 20 years on this little slice of math and Midwest fun.
Why you want it: This is the style I've been missing for a few decades now and I'm stoked beyond words for the blast I'm having with it.
Why you don't: This is the record that perfectly sums up the so-called emo-revival we are seeing, which mean gatekeepers should steer clear so they don't ruin this for the rest of us. (note: I realize and loathe my hypocritical gatekeeping that comes from telling gatekeepers to stay away)
Top Tracks: “Aight, I'mma Head Out,” “New Best Friends”
White Reaper – Asking for A Ride
Elektra Records, 27 Jan
A timeless record, happy to show off its influences ranging from The Cars to Iron Maiden, Kiss to The Pretenders and everything in between.
Why you want it: Did you read the line I just wrote? This is power-pop arena-rock perfection.
Why you don't: This is what I imagine would happen if Weezer and Turnstile tried to write a Cheap Trick Record… and I can see how some of you aren't ready for that.
Top Tracks: “Fog Machine,” “Thorn”
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/