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.
DARE – Against All Odds
Revelation Records – 20 Aug 2021
The OxCxHxC doesn’t break any new ground, but will definitely break your face on this throwback feeling explosion of everything that made Revelation Records the name in hardcore since 1987.
Why you want it: West Coast SxE with an underrepresented perspective and overabundance of aural beatdowns.
Why you don’t: If names like Drain, The Faith and Terror make your sphincter tighten in fear, steer clear.
Top Tracks: “Different Method,” “Better Off”
Review by Bad Dad
Duchamp – Slingshot Anthems
End Hits Records – 20 Aug 2021
Abso-fucking-lutely brilliant East Coast posi, named after my favorite Corey Feldman character with guest spots from members of Kid Dynamite, Be Well, Dag Nasty and Descendents, easily in the conversation for album of the year.
Why you want it: Every track is a theme song for a new New Brunswick basement show
Why you don’t: YOU DO
Top Tracks: “The Art of Defiance,” “Train Dodge,” “Chopper, Sic Balls” and each of the other tracks
Review by Bad Dad
Gibberish – Strangers
Thousand Island Records – 20 Aug 2021
International supergroup shred through ten melodic skate-punk anthems that Fat Wreck will wish it released.
Why you want it: If you wish you could travel back to the glory days of No Use For A Name and Lagwagon, but want to avoid the shitty politics of Reagan and the Bushes.
Why you don’t: If you refused to listen to PunkORama 2 because “it looked terrible with that creature urinating on a wall,” this isn’t your huckjam.
Top Tracks: “Lifetime,” “Apathy,” “Don’t Turn Away”
Review by Bad Dad
The Killers – Pressure Machine
Island Records – 13 Aug 2021
The Killers channel the darkest from Springsteen in a surprisingly bleak anthology of yarns from Everytown, USA.
Why you want it: If you wanted a follow-up to “Glory Days” that was better than anything Bruce wrote this millennium. The pre-track interviews weave quite a tale.
Why you don’t: If you are a glass half-full type, this heartbroken ode to small-towns isn’t going to fill your cup.
Top Tracks: “Quiet Town,” “Pressure Machine”
Review by Bad Dad
Meet Me @ The Altar – Model Citizen EP
Fueled By Ramen – 13 Aug 2021
Everything great about the poppy side of pop-punk without the cargo khakis, askew ballcaps and sexual misogyny.
Why you want it: If you miss Paramore and resent Hayley Williams for going solo, this trio has you covered.
Why you don’t: If you are still denying that Avril Lavigne and the Josie and The Pussycats Soundtrack were pretty damn fun, you aren’t ready.
Top Tracks: “Brighter Days (Are Before Us),” “Never Gonna Change”
Review by Bad Dad
Mujeres Podridas – Muerte en Paraíso
Beach Impediment Records- 20 Aug 2021
Ethereal vocals carry lucid and unwavering over crunching guitars and driving bass in this hardcore dream escape.
Why you want it: Hardcore en Espanol with vitriol that you can dance to
Why you don’t: Not a traditional hardcore act; beyond having female vocalist, the band doesn’t pigeonhole themselves into being defined by either.
Top Tracks: “La Mueta Esta Llamndo” “Mañana” “Mijos de la Frontera”
Review by Tiffavigilante
Press To MECO – Transmute
Marshall Records – 20 Aug 2021
Impressive return somehow equally and seamlessly channeling elements of Beartooth, Twin Atlantic and Coheed and Cambria
Why you want it: Do you love Claudio Sanchez’s voice, but have grown tired of the sci-fi lyrics and self-congratulatory guitar work? Then this is for you
Why you don’t: Do you like dislike the aforementioned trio of bands? Then you probably wouldn’t wrap your head around this one either.
Top Tracks: “A Test of Our Resolve,” “Rusty Nails”
Review by Bad Dad
Settle Your Scores – Retrofit
Mutant League Records – 20 Aug 2021
Pitch perfect throwback to the Target-sponsored days of The Warped Tour, full of finger-pointing choruses and whisper-to-scream verses
Why you want it: You still have the energy to leave the bar area and crowd the stage at shows
Why you don’t: You still hate your hometown, the stuck-up girl from high school and going to work, but think you’ve grown too mature to admit it
Top Tracks: “Meant For Misery,” “Staring At The Ceiling”
Review by Bad Dad
