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.
Action/Adventure – Imposter Syndrome
Pure Noise Records – 11 November
The future of pop-punk, and flag-bearers of #poppunkincolor earn their stripes and their accolades.
Why you want it: Nostalgic pop-punk that looks back and looks forward all at once.
Why you don’t: This is a band still perfecting their craft and there are some missteps, it’s part of growing up and you should feel lucky to witness but not all will.
Top Tracks: “Carolina Reaper” “Save Yourself”
American Thrills – Parted Ways
Wiretap Records – 18 November
Blue collar punk-influenced rock dripping in honesty and a Gaslight Anthem influence.
Why you want it: Despite being from Connecticut, this is the perfect embodiment of the Gainesville sound and I can not wait for what is next.
Why you don’t: As far as I’m concerned, there is no reason not to fall in love with this record. A late album of the year contender from a band that I expect to be a headline addition to The Fest in the coming years.
Top Tracks:“Ivy League Swing,” “Blue Collar”
CF98 – This Is Fine
SBAM Records – 1 Sept
The hard-charged and fast skate punk we’ve been waiting for for years.
Why you want it: It’s like Tilt but with even better harmonies.
Why you don’t: Stay away if your idea of the Warped Tour sound starts and ends with Bullet For My Valentine and Black Veil Brides. CF98 perfected the sound that Warped Tour was built upon
Top Tracks: “She Doesn’t Like,” Double Sunrise,” “Clever”
Day At The Fair – The Rocking Horse Years
Self-Released – 25 November
Four-track covers EP from the long-missed Jersey quartet.
Why you want it: Fresh takes on classic soft-rock ballads from classic pop-emo outfit
Why you don’t: It’s a covers record (with a VERY specific theme), and that’s not something for everyone.
Top Tracks: “The Rose,” “Man In Motion”
Future Teens – Self Help
Triple Crown Records – 23 September
The vulnerability and excellence of this album creates the perfect soundtrack to a night drinking alone.
Why you want it: The lyrics and power-emo-pop melodies will hurt you so good you might feel inclined to photoshop the album cover into an Adam Brody meme.
Why you don’t: Some of the tracks cut a bit deep and feel a bit dreary. The self-unaware may struggle to allow themselves to relate.
Top Tracks: “BYOB,” “Good Reason”
Goalkeeper – I Wish I Met You Sooner
Lost Music Collective – 28 October
Philly pop-punks don’t live up to the hype on their debut, they far exceed it!
Why you want it: The optimistic lyricism of this record is exactly what every living creature needs after the last few years here on earth.
Why you don’t: This record may not work for everyone, but only because some people prefer to be miserable.
Top Tracks: “Sooner,” “Talk About”
Carly Rae Jepsen – The Loneliest Time
School Boy/Interscope Records – 21 October
Super honest and self-aware diary entries internalized and crafted into bops of pure pop perfection.
Why you want it: Some pop-stars are trying so hard for self-awareness it begins to lampoon themselves, CRJ avoids those trappings with the sincere look in a mirror.
Why you don’t: The only reason not to check this one out is your own personal biases about Candian pop-music. Don’t be a hoser and give this bop a chance, eh?
Top Tracks: “Beach House” “Surrender My Heart”
LS Dunes – Past Lives
Fantasy Records – 11 November
This isn’t just one of the best albums of the year, this is one of the best of each individual members’ vaunted careers.
Why you want it: The lineup alone is reason to give it a listen (members of Coheed and Cambria, My Chemical Romance, Thursday and Circa Survive). The fact that it is fucking perfect is the reason to put it in constant rotation.
Why you don’t: This is one of the best albums of the year. You want it, and if you don’t, I don’t think anyone can help you.
Top Tracks: “Grey Veins” “2022”
Taylor Swift – Midnights
Republic Records – 21 October
There’s a reason T. Swizzle broke Ticketmaster in a presale intended to lighten the load on servers, and the reason of course, is that she is brilliant.
Why you want it: The same reason you’ve wanted every other one of her records, top notch song-writing, delectable melodrama and a mild-mannered fuck-you-all attitude.
Why you don’t: You do. You might deny, you might pretend you are too cool, too punk, too whatever but when you’re alone in your car singing along nobody is fooled.
Top Tracks: “Question…?” “Anti-Hero”
The Wonder Years – The Hum Goes On Forever
Loneliest Place On Earth/Hopeless Records – 23 Sept
The best at remaining powerful in their melancholy impresses once again with each release.
Why you want it: All the best elements of every TWY release gets showcased.
Why you don’t: You’ve heard the band before in the last decade or so… if you didn’t feel it then you won’t today either
Top Tracks: ”Oldest Daughter,” “Low Tide”
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/
