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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The Mad Splatter – Songs to Murder Your Lovers Bye
Self-released – 15 Dec 2023
Apparently, this group has 8 releases already all about death, murder, demons, zombies, but yet this Ramones-core band is very upbeat and fun. The album title pretty much describes what the songs are about.
Why you want it: If you like simple upbeat punk songs and fun horror movies this is right up your lane, or vein.
Why you don't: You don't like chainsaw sound effects or simple fun songs.
Top Tracks: “Witch Hunt”, “Horror Weekend Hideway”
Songs To Murder Your Lovers By by The Mad SplatterLily Livers – Hangover Shades/Vomit Pizza
Hey Pizza Records – 16 Dec 2023
When I saw this was put out by a Pizza record company out of Wisconsin, I knew it would be good.
Why you want it: It's fun, fast, pop punk, with some great guitar picking.
Why you don't: If you are not into pizza and drinking.
Top Tracks: “Hangover Shades”, “Vomit Pizza”
Compilation – Punk Rock against War vol. 4
Inconsapevole Records – 18 Dec 2023
Holy shit, this comp has 95 songs on it and it took me like three days to listen to them all! It starts off with a banger Star Wars Mando track, that had me immediately hooked. The next few tracks don't let off either. They are not all bangers, but with 95 songs, that would be hard to do. It does have some good variety, some melodic punk, some thrash metal, some hardcore, some horns, some Missile Command like sound effects, and a hand full of songs sung in Italian.
Why you want it: It's huge and all the proceeds go to a Charity group called EMERGENCY, which “provides free, high-quality care to people affected by conflict and poverty.
Why you don't: They stopped at 95 and didn't go to 100 songs, but for real, it's a lot of songs. The songs are not necessarily all anti-war or peace/unity songs and I only speak third most Italian.
Top Tracks: “Mando”, “Shandon – Washing Machine”, “In Holy Wars”, “Stand Up”, “Authorities and Delusions of Grandeur”, “Living Colour”, and “Squeezy Brains”
Live Compilation – This Is New Tone
Bad Time Records – 22 Dec 2023
What is there to say, all your “new tone” favorite ska bands live, do I need to say anymore?
Why you want it: After you've played the studio version of these songs 100 times, it's good to mix it up and live versions bring an extra level of excitement.
Why you don't: It's live, so the recording and production level is not perfect.
Top Tracks: “Horizontal Aggression / Against The Rest”, “Heart Flipper”, Ghost Town” (The Specials cover), “Excuse Me Miss”
Angel Face – I Can't Go Back/ New Generator
Slovenly Recordings – 22 Dec 2023
This group is a lo-fi garage punk band from Japan. Playing raw, in your face, screaming chorus, heavy bass, fast drum fills, and it's great.
Why you want it: It's only two songs so it's a low commitment and they are both great.
Why you don't: You're a morning person, I don't know, there's no reason not to want this if you like fast garage punk.
Top Tracks: “I Can't Go Back”
Smoking Popes – Live at Bottom Lounge
22 Dec 2023
I'm quite familiar with The Popes music and I've seen them play live, but this live album felt new and very enjoyable. The recording and production is very good for a live show.
Why you want it: If you are a Smoking Popes fan these live recording will give you some fresh new versions of the songs you love, I am listening to it again as I type this, it's so good. Plus, you get a partial Pogues cover.
Why you don't: Unless you just don't like the Popes or hate live records.
Top Tracks: “Double Fisted Love – Rubella”, “Need You Around – Off My Mind”, “Fairytale of New York” (Pogues cover)
Likes fine beer and cheap cheese. He has been a DJ, sound mixer for commercials and television, and currently designs motorcycle parts. He also has a habit of creating pastiche style cover songs and changing the chorus to incorporate “Jeff” or “Sorley.” (sigh… it's true – Jeff)
https://www.instagram.com/rizchex_tgefm