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.
Belmont – Aftermath
Pure Noise Records – 04 Mar 2022
Super accessible tunes, bred from pop-punk but doesn't hold itself to any single sound.
Why you want it: This is the sound of a good music festival, dipping its toes into pop, easycore, country and, even some slam/rap vibes.
Why you don't: Nothing new here, but no matter what style Belmont chooses to perform, they do it well.
Top Tracks:“Parasitic,” “What I Lack,” “Bowser's Castle”
Review by Bad Dad
The Cast Before The Break – Where We Are Now
Mint 400 Records – 11 Mar 2022
Long underappreciated act puts out stunning masterwork of pensive emo nostalgia.
Why you want it: Did you own all 12 of the Deep Elm compilations “Emo Diaries?” This is for you.
Why you don't: You say you're an emo fan, but would rather listen to Yungblud than The Appleseed Cast.
Top Tracks:“Slice of Life” “Hindsight”
Review by Bad Dad
Glacier Veins – Lunar Reflection
Equal Vision Records – 11 Mar 2022
Accessible and emotional dream-punk meant to lift you up and slow you down.
Why you want it: Calming, enthralling and all around inclusive, this record will improve your mood and help to relax.
Why you don't: If you don't get a kick out of a good Bandcamp and chill, check out something else.
Top Tracks: “Cover Me,” “Digging Myself Out”
Review by Bad Dad
Oreskaband – Bohemia
Terry Dollar Records – 04 Mar 2022
Nothing welcomes in the Spring season quite like ska music, and these ladies do it fucking beautifully.
Why you want it: Ska smorgasbord as Japanese veterans deftly dive into every ska subgenre.
Why you don't: Fun, bouncy, brilliant and danceable… this isn't a record for those who prefer drinking alone in a closet with the lights off.
Top Tracks: “No. 9,” “Wonder Neighbor,” “She”
Review by Bad Dad
Sprints – A Modern Job EP
Nice Swan Records – 11 Mar 2022
A forceful reckoning of Irish post-garage that's the kick in the ass the music world needs today.
Why you want it: The EP of the year contender features a frenetic stream of consciousness style lyricism over distortion and noise that feels forever on the verge of combustion
Why you don't: The EP is pretty fucking wonderful, but can definitely scare the frat boys and gatekeepers afraid of women owning the front of stage.
Top Tracks: “I'm in a Band,” “Delia Smith”
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/