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.
Bowling for Soup – Pop Drunk Snot Bread
Brando / Que-So Records – 23 April 2022
They’ve done the same thing on each of their previous 10 records, and they can still do extraordinarily well.
Why you want it: Crack open a beer, turn up your radio and jump headfirst into the merriment.
Why you don’t: There is a certain level of pigheaded douchebaggery in the scene that will say that band’s having fun and not taking themselves too seriously should be looked down upon. Those dipshits don’t deserve this good time.
Top Tracks: “Alexa Bliss,” “The Best We Can,” “I Wanna Be Brad Pitt”
Review by Bad Dad
Tim Kasher – Middling Age
15 Passenger Records – 15 April 2022
The frontman of Cursive and The Good Life continues to prove he can do no wrong.
Why you want it: The best songwriter of the scene doesn’t let anything slow down his ability to spin a gorgeous yarn in song.
Why you don’t: This isn’t Cursive. It shouldn’t be. Kasher is so much more than any one style, any one band.
Top Tracks: “I Don’t Think About You,” “100 Ways to Paint a Lime Bowl”
Review by Bad Dad
The Regrettes – Further Joy
Warner Records – 8 April 2022
BoStrapping a “Cherry Bomb” to a “Wrecking Ball,” the band expertly weld punk to pop, and holy shit what a blast!
Why you want it: A fun and upbeat little bopper that goes perfect with the rolled down windows and increased volume that comes when Spring is springing.
Why you don’t: While absolutely relatable, Further Joy is never a downer of a record; don’t come to this record looking for something to wallow in.
Top Tracks: “You’re So Fucking Pretty,” “That’s What Makes Me Love You,” “La Di Da”
Review by Bad Dad
Signals Midwest – DENT
Lauren Records – 08 April 2022
Working class indie-punk that hits all the right notes.
Why you want it: The lyricism here is definitely a major selling point for those of us who prefer the words to the chords, but the chords are fucking spot on too.
Why you don’t: I can imagine people becoming very disappointed expecting to hear doors kicked down, but if they wait a few moments, they can hear the band silently takes the door off its hinge before setting it ablaze.
Top Tracks: “All Good Things,” “It Left a Dent.”
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/
