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.
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Burnt Tapes – “New Lungs”
Nasty Cut Records – 8 August 2025
The London based quartet is back with a new LP. You can get this on a pink cassette tape (that’s not burnt) as well as vinyl, but no option this time for a beech tree.
Why you want it: Energetic melodic punk that’s harder at times and a little emo at times.
Why you don’t: Some of the lyrics might be too much of an emotional rollercoaster for you.
Top Tracks: “Crisis Actors”, “You Only YOLO Once”, “New Lungs”
Review by RIZCHEX
Curbside – “A Lifetime to Outgrow”
Thousand Island Records – 8 August 2025
I don’t know much about Curbside, and I’m not sure what they have been doing the last 13 years but they must have gotten some rest because they brought the energy on this one. Explosive vocals, fierce guitars, and intense drumming.
Why you want it: Melodic punk with the fastest drumming you ever heard.
Why you don’t: The drumming might be too much if you have a heart condition.
Top Tracks: “The Devil Wears Vans”, “Three Sticks is Plenty”, “Handshakes, Missed Takes”
Review by RIZCHEX
The Jive – “Extended Play”
Rum Bar Records – 15 August 2025
Power pop punk-ish quartet from PA new 6 track EP, if you didn’t get that it was an EP from the name.
Why you want it: Retro sounding arena rock that’s catchy, fun, and just sounds great.
Why you don’t: More power pop rock than punk.
Top Tracks: “Good Time Call”, “Sherry Shakes”, “The Song You Can’t Forget”
Review by RIZCHEX
The Kowalskis – “30 Years Of Goofballs”
Rum Bar Records – 8 August 2025
Another Rum Bar Records release and this one is a big one. 25 tracks, mostly from the bands debut album All Hopped Up on Goofballs, some compilation songs, some 7” tunes, and a few unreleased cuts.
Why you want it: 90’s power-pop punk rock that sounds like a Debbie Harry fronted Ramones-core band.
Why you don’t: The only negative is that it is very long and if your short on time, you may not be able to pull yourself away and hit the pause button.
Top Tracks: “First Date”, Kiss Me One More Time”, “Not Surprised”
Review by RIZCHEX
The Peppermint Kicks – “Pop Rocks In My Chewing Gum”
Rum Bar Records – 1 August 2025
Not sure how a 3rd Rum Bar Records release made it on this list, they must be doing something right, and another one that’s more punk adjacent. This one is by a Boston duo with some additional assistance on few tracks.
Why you want it: It reminds me of Elvis Costello, Bowie, and your favorite 1950’s band, it’s music that just makes you happy.
Why you don’t: Again, maybe not punk enough for you.
Top Tracks: “Too Sweet (Oh Yeah!)”, “Little Doll (Picolla Pupa)
Review by RIZCHEX
Skeetch – “Sunny Side of Shitty Town”
Punkerton Records – 22 August 2025
Skate punk from Leipzig, Germany, brings you this 11 track release full of shout along hooks, catchy choruses, and gang vocals sung to a tight sound.
Why you want it: If you like 90’s skate/pop-punk this is right up your alley, but that alley is not on the Sunny Side of town, it’s on the rebellion side.
Why you don’t: You are a police officer in Leipzig, Germany.
Top Tracks: “Born 2 Late”, “Spicy Memories”, “Sunny Side”
Review by RIZCHEX
Likes fine beer and tacos. He has been a DJ, sound mixer for commercials and television, and currently designs motorcycle parts. He also has a habit of creating pastiche style cover songs and changing the chorus to incorporate “Jeff” or “Sorley.” (sigh… it’s true – Jeff)
https://www.instagram.com/rizchex_tgefm