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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The Crummies – “The Crummies”
I Buy Records / Mom’s Basement Records – 5 January 2025
Ramonescore style chant anthem punk songs from Spain. I believe this was previously released in Europe around November of last year, but now officially released via their record labels.
Why you want it: As already stated this is Ramonescore mixed with The Queers.
Why you don’t: Maybe a little too simple for you.
Top Tracks: “Get Over Me”, “Nobody Knows”
Review by Rizchex
Izzy S.O. – “Homesick”
Lab Records- 10 Jan 2025
This fits more into the punk adjacent category, self-described as grungy alt pop, which works for me.
Why you want it: This crosses a little too far over the alt-rock-pop line then what I would normally like, but I was still able to get into some of these songs and maybe you would too.
Why you don’t: It’s too pop and not punk enough for you.
Top Tracks: “Refuse”, “Crisis”
Review by Rizchex
Kite – “Heartless Places”
Dais Records- 10 Jan 2025
Stockholm, Sweden’s Kite, armed with guest Nina Persson, drone a spectacular atmosphere of layered synthesizers and dual vocals.
Why you want it: The synth revival is real, and Persson’s delicate vocals take the single to beautiful places. A symphony of couples anthem a la Depeche Mode.
Why you don’t: The industrial, electronica thing isn’t for everyone, and while the beats are hype, the overall mood and subject matter is not for the easily depressed.
Review by Mike Elfers
Lambrini Girls – Who Let The Dogs Out
City Slang – 10 January
What a fucking fantastic debut full of piss, vinegar, fury and fun!
Why you want it: Lambrini Girls put out a beaut that is a riot and a riot! It will keep a smile on your face and make you want to smash the patriarchy right in its face.
Why you don’t: Have you gotten big mad about ladies choosing the bear? Have you found yourself saying “not all men?” Excused Elon’s salute as a signal of love? Go fuck yourself, this record probably will have you pull a muscle puckering your sphincter in fear of women putting on their shoes and leaving a kitchen… Also go fuck yourself quite a bit more.
Top Tracks: “Cuntology 101,” “No Homo” “Company Culture”
Review by Bad Dad
Laura Jane Grace / Catbite – “Operation Ivy Live at the Empty Bottle”
16 January 2025
When I heard that Laura Jane Grace was teaming up with Catbite to play a tribute set to Operation Ivy at a Riot Fest afterparty, my first thought was, that should be a good one. Boy was I wrong, this is not good, it is fucking fantastic! Now some of the credit has to go to the greatness of the original songs, but holy shit, they nailed these songs. There have been lots of Op Ivy covers and tribute albums over the years including some that are very good. No disrespect to any of them, but this record is a live show, and they cover every Op Ivy song, it just feels and sounds amazing and could be the best cover album ever.
Why you want it: The music alone is enough, but if you want another reason, this is a charity pay what you can digital download with all the proceeds benefiting Sweet Relief and Best Friends to help those affected by the California wildfires.
Why you don’t: You like potatoes that have “I HATE OPERATION IVY” written on it.
Top Tracks: “Sound System”, “Bad Town”, “Healthy Body”, “Officer” (intro story is great)
Review by Rizchex
The Pomps – “That’s Not A House” single
Bad Time Records – 17 Jan 2025
Is it too early to call this the song of 2025? The first single from The Pomps upcoming album is simply a blast. The rest of the album (Total Eclipse of The Pomps, 21 Feb 2025) could be a dud and it would still rock just because of this song.
Why you want it: You like ska, obviously. Even if you don’t like ska, this might be a song you can get into. The performance is almost impeccable and, while one can argue that the composition of the parts is fairly routine, The Pomps inject it with so much personality that it is simply infectious.
Why you don’t: You absolutely refuse to listen to ska, hate fun, and hate extra mozzarella sticks.
Review by Jeff “The White Drew Carey” Sorley
Shutdown – By Your Side
Equal Vision Records – 17 January
NYHC legends return after 25 years and prove that you can mature but the spirit remains.
Why you want it: No joke, these songs are just as hardcore and fantastic but these guys aren’t the same guys they were a quarter century ago… And the scene is better for it.
Why you don’t: Shutdown is still Shutdown but they’ve gotten more greys, more responsibilities and more wisdom born of life experiences. That’s a fucking great thing, but if you weren’t into them then, probably won’t be more into them now.
Top Tracks: “What Are You Thinking?” “Our Time” “By Your Side”
Review by Bad Dad
Zeta – Was It Medicine To You?
Born Losers Records – 09 January
Zeta take Caribbean rhythms, post-hardcore vox and Turnstile-type ass-shakers, throw that shit in a blender and drink it up.
Why you want it: I cant say this is for everyone… but i can say that immediately when i listened my reply was what the fuck is this, how is it so goddamn enjoyable and where the hell can I get more to mainline into the endorphin receptors in my hypothalamus? What a fucking joy this is!
Why you don’t: This may not appeal to people who think mayonnaise is too zesty, but if you’ve got an adventurous musical palette, you will not be disappointed.
Top Tracks: “Privilege” “Steps” “Shadows”
Review by Bad Dad
Various artists – “Attention”
Wiretap Records – 15 January 2025
You get 25 tracks for whatever you feel it’s worth, but keep in mind the funds raised go the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.
Why you want it: This is jam packed with some great groups, a good mix of punk styles, even a little ska-punk, you’ll find at least a few songs that will get your attention.
Why you don’t: There is a song that contains a “Revenge of the Nerds” movie clip, which I think is awesome, but if movie clips in songs is not your thing, then, well you’ll still want this.
Top Tracks: “Apple at the Aggy”, “Join The Club”, “I Wish U Didn’t Hate Me So Much”, “Multiple Definitions”, “Can’t Live This Way”
Review by Rizchex
Various artists – “Ghost Highway Recordings 2025 Sampler”
Ghost Highway Recordings – 1 January 2025
All of these songs have a lo-fi punk, surf, garage, or 50’s rockabilly sound.
Why you want it: It’s 5 Euros for 29 tracks and the money goes towards children with cancer.
Why you don’t: I had a really hard time not picking all the songs for the “Top Tracks” and you might have a hard time picking your favorite track off this.
Top Tracks: “Give Me Time”, “Wankers Forever”, “I’m Watching You”, “Shattered Diamonds”, “Darlene”, Tutti Frutti”, “Todd Killings”
Review by Rizchex
