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.
Bad Optics – Beach Front Property/Dungeon Crawler Single
Self-Released – 02 Sept 2021
Easy to digest post-punk that's nearly ready for radio
Why you want it: Bass is pounding and groovy, guitars are light and the vocals are weird– it has all the elements of a great post-punk piece.
Why you don't: Vocals come off like the guy's doing a voice, but that sort of comes with the territory here. Can be likened to early 2000s alternative dance rock bands (Ok, so I'm alluding to Interpol).
Top Tracks: “Dungeon Crawler”
Review by tiffa!
Bad Waitress – No Taste
Royal Mountain Records – 03 Sep 2021
In your face punk rippers with no punches pulled by the Toronto quartet.
Why you want it: Reminiscent of Hole and Sleater-Kinney in how the punk feel is marinated in pop songwriting to create an epic blue plate special.
Why you don't: If you are one of the macho dipshits who still think you can kick Ronda Rousey's ass, you'll probably be terrified of how badass this four-piece is.
Top Tracks: “Standards,” Lacerate” “Strawberry Milkshake”
Review by Bad Dad
The Bronx – Bronx VI
Cooking Vinyl – 27 Aug 2021
The Bronx isn't known for releasing bad records, and they don't start now.
Why you want it: It's dirty, energetic and straightforward punk in line with the band's discography.
Why you don't: There's no excuse for not loving this album…but there's also no accounting for taste, I suppose.
Top Tracks: “Breaking News,” “White Shadow”
Review by Bad Dad
Brother Ali – Brother Minutester, Vol. 1
Traveller's Media, LLC – 27 Aug 2021
How good can an 11 track mixtape be if it only lasts 12 minutes… un-fucking-believable
Why you want it: Brilliant turns-of-phrase from the pre-eminent albino MC
Why you don't: You don't like your hip-hop to have depth, introspection or understanding of current events
Top Tracks: “Aretha,” “Live From Trumpistan,” “Divine Light”
Review by Bad Dad
Common – A Beautiful Revolution Pt. 2
Loma Vista Records – 10 Sep 2021
One of the best true poets of hip-hop drops the most emotive, beautiful and optimistic record in forever.
Why you want it: Danceable, teachable and relatable, this may be the best of Common's effort's… at least since Pt 1.
Why you don't: Because you're an idiot? (That's the only reason you wouldn't want it)
Top Tracks: “Imagine,” “A Beautiful Chicago Kid”
Review by Bad Dad
Died Out – Died Out
Self-Released – 27 Aug 2021
Melodic punk from NJ perfect for basements, buds and beers.
Why you want it: Always wish your location, era or knowledge led you to an early 00s NJ firehouse? This fits those vibes
Why you don't: Your idea of punk centers solely on Machine Gun Kelly, Plain White T's or any other post-Target-sponsorship Warped Tour band
Top Tracks: “Four Walls,” “Simulated Life” “Serpent's Swarm”
Review by Bad Dad
Face to Face – No Way Out But Through
Fat Wreck Chords – 10 Sep 2021
Solid performance of the tried and true from the SoCal elder statesmen.
Why you want it: There's a reason the trio have remained atop the most influential in the scene, they couldn't write a bad track if they wanted.
Why you don't: This is not for anyone who isn't into the skate-pop-punk blend that has made F2F so influential.
Top Tracks: “A Miss Is As Good As A Mile,” “Black Eye Specialist”
Review by Bad Dad
Haggard Cat – Cheer Up
Bothday Present Records – 03 Sep 2021
5 catchy, chaotic and cathartic tracks kicked directly into your earholes.
Why you want it: This EP is the perfect soundtrack to a physical, mental and emotional release.
Why you don't: This album is not here to make you feel good, just to make you feel.
Top Tracks: “Quit Your Jobs,” “Fucking TV”
Review by Bad Dad
Hawthorne Heights – The Rain Just Follows Me
Pure Noise Records – 10 Sep 2021
Hawthorne Heights were never the most original, you've heard every one of these songs on the previous releases, and dammit, that right there is the charm.
Why you want it: Heavy breakdowns, whispered vocals… the band has never been about reinventing the wheel but they do provide an intense and fun ride.
Why you don't: If you had any inkling that this wouldn't be The Silence in Black and White again, you'll be disappointed.
Top Tracks:“Spray Paint it Black,” “Ohio is for Lovers” oh shit, they really did nothing new here.
Review by Bad Dad
Hotknives – II
Self-Released – 03 Sep 2021
In five songs spanning less than fourteen minutes II slaloms between different scenes shows off more musical creativity than a lot of bands can demonstrate over a twelve track LP.
Why you want it: The EP combines multiple stale genres, breathing new life to create a fresh sound.
Why you don't: Some people skip opening acts on diverse shows because they can't keep up with the scene shapeshifters, and they wouldn't be ready for this.
Top Tracks: “Tyler Durden,” “Cynical”
Review by Bad Dad
J. Stout – Thrills and Disappointments
Lo-Fi City – 27 Aug 2021
A man and his guitar skillfully circumnavigating a sea of pandemic related stressors through the lens of a husband, a father and a member of the human race.
Why you want it: You know how the last year and a half has been, like, super weird and also hard to describe? J.Stout describes it pretty wonderfully
Why you don't: There's big time vibes of indie weirdness here and it may not be your cup of tea, but it's mine.
Top Tracks: “Betray Your Love,” “My Sunshine”
Review by Bad Dad
Jail Socks – Coming Down
Counter Intuitive Records – 03 Sep 2021
I almost forgot the joy and overwhelming emotion I felt the first time I heard The Movielife, but Jail Socks brought me back with this stellar release.
Why you want it: This is for fans of introspective poppy emo.
Why you don't: Avoid this record if you can't handle mature pop punk or pop punk without nasally vocals
Top Tracks: “On the Run,” “Losing Everything”
Review by Bad Dad
Mess – Traidores
Self-Released – 07 Sep 2021
Classic UK Punk from Guadalajara that swerves all of the Oi! tropes while giving you something to dance to.
Why you want it: Exists somewhere between hardcore and post-punk with airy gang vocals that punch on landing.
Why you don't: If you're looking for soccer punk, this ain't it!
Top Tracks: “Traidores”
Review by tiffa!
Turnstile – Glow On
Roadrunner Records – 27 Aug 2021
Genre defying masterpiece that expertly blends the pit into the dancefloor.
Why you want it: If you're the type who always wanted to be a dancer but couldn't get the shit off your shoes, Glow On will hit the spot. (Thanks, Hank)
Why you don't: Some people dont have a strong enough cerebellum for dancy-hardcore.
Top Tracks:“Blackout” “Mystery” “Holiday”
Review by Bad Dad
