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.
Black Lung – Dark Waves
Heavy Psych Sounds – 27 May 2022
Enjoyable Stoner metal in the vein of Queens of the Stone Age without all pomposity.
Why you want it: Sounds like Danzig trying to cover Deep Purple, and it comes off significantly better than those comparisons has any right to.
Why you don’t: This is a record I think everyone should listen to once… but I’m not sure everyone will be returning to very often.
Top Tracks: “Death Grip” “The Cog”
Review by Bad Dad
Killswitch Engage – Live at the Palladium
Metal Blade Records – 03 Jun 2022
I’ve always thought most live records aren’t good because the crowd noise drowns out the musicianship, but in this instance the band sounds amazing but lacks energy without the crowd noise.
Why you want it: Its basically a greatest hits and those compilations are wonderful introduction to a fantastically talented outfit.
Why you don’t: One or the best live acts around deserves a live release that captures their passion and rabid fanbase’s passion… unfortunately, this is not it.
Top Tracks: “The Signal Fire,” “Know Your Enemy”
Review by Bad Dad
Mint Green – All Girls Go To Heaven
Pure Noise Records – 03 Jun 2022
Vibe along to the melancholic haze on this stunning debut.
Why you want it: Ever thought to yourself, “self, I need\a soundtrack for pensively staring out a bay window?” This is the best option for that shit.
Why you don’t: There’s a self-awareness and confidence that go along with being able to express being the happiest form of sad… some folks just don’t have it.
Top Tracks: “Golden,” “Body Language”
Review by Bad Dad
Silent Drive – Fairhaven
Equal Vision Records – 10 Jun 2022
Goddammit, why did they have to wait 18 years to drop this masterpiece?
Why you want it: Perfect post-hardcore riffage and vocals; a flawless blend hodgepodge of melancholy, rage and passion.
Why you don’t: You don’t want a reminder of the one who got away, the one who rode shotgun while you howled along with the band’s debut Love Is Worth It? Fucking get over it and get into this.
Top Tracks: “God Vs I” “Dearly Beloved”
Review by Bad Dad
Sweet Pill – Where the Heart Is
Topshelf Records – 25 May 2022
Sweet Pill exists in the sweet spot where eruptive, raw strength couples with calm focus and its fucking glorious.
Why you want it: Every song feels manic and original in structure creating a record with overwhelming frenetic energy.
Why you don’t: By forgoing the basic music theory shackles, it can make you feel out of sorts. Just sit back and let yourself learn.
Top Tracks: “Sucker Punch” “where the heart is”
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/
