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.
Andrew WK – God is Partying
Napalm Records – 10 Sep 2021
The party hard guy eschews his persona to travel back in time and become an 80s metal balladeer.
Why you want it: If you have ever thought to yourself “Why did Extreme leave us behind? We need them now more than ever”… this is the album for you.
Why you don't: Were you born after 1992 and realized that there is no need for any new output from Kip Winger or his ilk?
Top Tracks: Some tracks are worse than others, but I don't think any deserve the accolade of “top track”
Review by Bad Dad
Beach Riot – Sub Atomic Party Cool
Alcopop Records – 17 Sep 2021
Frenetic indie rock that alternates between so many sounds in beautiful chaos.
Why you want it: Beach Riot don't throw out the rule book, they burn that sumbitch to ash and piss all over it.
Why you don't: If obvious influences like The Mamas and The Papas and The Stooges don't seem like ingredients to be blended with success, don't bother
Top Tracks: “B.A.D” “Blush” “She's A Hurricane”
Review by Bad Dad
Bikini Death Race – Refrigerator
Negative Gain Productions – 17 Sep 2021
Euro-electro-post-synth-punk goodness from the three-piece
Why you want it: If Al Jourgenson wrote the music for Repo-Man, it still wouldn't be as fun and fuckable as this
Why you don't: Its very dancey, very synth heavy and some people just cant get behind that… I can.
Top Tracks: “Terminatrum” “Frontlines”
Review by Bad Dad
BPW – Happy Five Hits
Fightfall Records – 21 Sep 2021
Want to fall in love with punk rock again, like the way it felt in the 90s?
Why you want it: Influenced by the greats (just take a peek at that album cover for hints on familiar musical themes) but are doing their own thing and doing it well
Why you don't: Spans the spectrum of pop punk from a very specific era ('98-'02) but manages to avoid being categorically a Fat band or a Drive-Thru band
Top Tracks: “The Kids”
Review by tiffa!
The Cocktail Slippers – Shout It Out Loud
Wicked Cool Records – 17 Sep 2021
Serviceable power-pop, this won't change your life but it is great background noise.
Why you want it: This record is good for an overnight ride, it's got enough kick to keep your fingers tapping but isn't going to interrupt the conversation with a passenger seat.
Why you don't: The band is trying too hard to rock hard when they shine in more understated terms.
Top Tracks: “Hush”
Review by Bad Dad
Concrete Castles – Wish I Missed U
Velocity Records – 17 Sep 2021
Formerly wonderful cover band tries to be original, needs more work.
Why you want it: I couldn't tell you.
Why you don't: Your ears work.
Top Tracks: Umm…
Review by Bad Dad
Jesse Malin – Sad and Beautiful World
Wicked Cool Records – 24 Sep 2021
New York's punk troubadour is back, once again, expertly slaloming between being a folksy rocker and a folksinger plugging in and rocking out.
Why you want it: Malin has never disappointed from D Generation all the way through his latest solo release.
Why you don't: Sticklers will be turned off by an hour long record being referred to as a double album, but I won't get involved in semantics.
Top Tracks: “Crawlin' Back to You,” “Backstabbers”
Review by Bad Dad
Miss Vincent – A Funeral For Youth
Silent Cult – 17 Sep 2021
Superb blend of nostalgic and modern rock and roll certain to impress.
Why you want it: A Funeral for Youth is a remarkable blend of the past, present and future of rock and roll.
Why you don't: People who want to leave two and three part harmonies out of their garage rock, are going to be disappointed by how well Miss Vincent pulls it off.
Top Tracks: “My Iron Heart,” “Gravity” “Go It Alone”
Review by Bad Dad
Nominee – Lowlife
Smartpunk Records – 24 Sep 2021
I goddam love this album, its like travelling back to 1999 without the whole “being asked out as a joke” trauma.
Why you want it: This would have been one of the best records of 20 years ago or today.
Why you don't: Did you go to Bamboozle to see Bret Michaels? Because you were out of place then and you'll be out of place trying to listen to this record.
Top Tracks: “Hypertension,” “Lowlife” “Kitchen Sink”
Review by Bad Dad
One Step Closer – This Place You Know
Run For Cover Records – 24 Sep 2021
2 years ago, the band demonstrated huge potential on their EP From Me To You, on This Place You Know they surpassed all of those expectations and crafted something really special.
Why you want it: The newest post-hardcore darlings infuse the hardcore strength of Comeback Kid with the swagger of Turnstile.
Why you don't: This is post-hardcore perfection, but if you aren't into that scene, you probably won't get into this either.
Top Tracks: “Autumn,” “Time Spent Too Long”
Review by Bad Dad
Spiritbox – Eternal Blue
Rise Records – 17 Sep 2021
2 weeks in heavy rotation and I still can't decide if its beautifully brutal or brutally beautiful, but either its a fucking banger.
Why you want it: Courtney LaPlante has become one of top lyricists and vocalists in metalcore whether she's getting gutteral or clean in her vocals.
Why you don't: Avoid if you don't like metalcore, introspective lyrics or glimpses into the souls of one the scene's best.
Top Tracks: “Yellow Jacket” “Constance”
Review by Bad Dad
You, Me and Everyone We Know – Something Heavy
Know Hope Records- 17 Sep 2021
Party for the Grown and Sexy is one of my favorite albums of the last 15 years, Something Heavy might actually be the stronger album
Why you want it: Dark, biting and witty lyricism over danceably poppy slices of musical bliss.
Why you don't: This is loaded with cerebral, erudite and otherwise genius turns of phrase, and if you don't know what those words mean, you may struggle here.
Top Tracks: “We're Not Like That!” “Something Heavy”
Review by Bad Dad
