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.
The Aquabats! – I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas Too!
Gloopy Records – 19 Nov 2021
America’s greatest ska-superheroes return with a holiday EP guaranteed to judo chop seasonal affective disorder back into the abyss!
Why you want it: Nothing better exemplifies the holiday spirit then some butt-kicking SoCal masked vigilantes!
Why you don’t: If you are one of the half-wits who start spouting off in October about a war on Christmas, you probably are too busy self-victimizing to enjoy this awesomeness!
Top Tracks: “Christmas Steve!” “Christmas is Awesome!”
Review by Bad Dad
Brian Fallon – Night Divine
Lesser Known Records – 05 Nov 2021
I absolutely love Fallon and everything he has done… until this.
Why you want it: Want to experience Christmas the way Jesus experienced Good Friday? Here’s your chance.
Why you don’t: Christmas music is supposed to be enveloped by comfort and joy, but this is uncomfortable and joyless.
Top Tracks: “Silent Night”
Review by Bad Dad
Goodbye Honolulu – Goodbye Honolulu
Self-Released – 01 Oct 2021
Frenetic garage-punk rock expertly walking the line between personal and universal.
Why you want it: You only get so many chances a year to discover the next big thing, this is one of those chances.
Why you don’t: Goodbye Honolulu won’t fit in with the overproduced cesspool that seems prevalent lately.
Top Tracks: “Get the Denim,” “Cut Off” “Reason to Hate You”
Review by Bad Dad
Dave Hause – Blood Harmony
Soundly Music- 22 Oct 2021
Philly’s punk-bred troubadour examines fatherhood without needing to switch his Vans for New Balance.
Why you want it: For fans of honest, brave and raw lyricism with nostalgia and folk overlays.
Why you don’t: Theres a twang despite the Northeastern influence that can turn off some listeners who struggle to hear the difference between Americana and Country.
Top Tracks: “Sandy Sheets” “Plagiarist”
Review by Bad Dad
Ice Nine Kills – Welcome to Horrorwood: The Silver Scream 2
Fearless Records – 15 Oct 2021
Horror punk metal hybrid that isn’t my cup of tea, nor is it my mason jar of formaldehyde, but I can not turn off Spencer Charnas’ amazing vocals.
Why you want it: A less choppy, more coherent follow up to The Silver Scream, there’s no surprises but it works well for fans.
Why you don’t: Its theatrical and horror-genre based, don’t bother if those aren’t your fandoms.
Top Tracks: “Farewell II Flesh” “The Shower Scene”
Review by Bad Dad
Limp Bizkit – Still Sucks
Suretone Records – 31 Oct 2021
I’m not sure if I’m in on the joke or part of the joke on this… but this shit is unadulterated fun.
Why you want it: There is something beautiful about Durst and team embracing their own clownishness with this much bravado.
Why you don’t: Theres no downside to this album; just pure, unfiltered buffoonery and trolling.
Top Tracks: “Love the Hate” “Out of Style”
Review by Bad Dad
Shad – Tao
Secret City Records – 1 Oct 2021
The host of Hip Hop Evolution continues his personal evolution on mature album that resonates with the current landscape of the world
Why you want it: Sometimes growing up means losing a step, but Shad’s growth impresses as he internalizes fatherhood, fear and resilience.
Why you don’t:Lyrics can be too clever for the Joe Rogen bunch and that’s ok. Shad shouldn’t be slowing down for you.
Top Tracks: “Black Averageness” “Out of Touch”
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/
