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.
Bedgravity – “Unmet Needs”
Brassneck / Bloated Kat / Waterslide Records – 24 January 2025
The debut full length album from this Tokyo melodic punk band.
Why you want it: Everything about this is fantastic. The album takes you on a journey of emotions and sounds that weave between melodic punk, indie, and shoegaze, but even when it slows down it still pulls you in.
Why you don’t: The first and the last track might scare you away, but don’t let it.
Top Tracks: “White Breath”, “Don’t Call My Name”, “My Little Me”
Review by Rizchex
Danny and the Darlings –“Yee-Haw! (Fuck the Law)”
Self Release – 25 January 2025
This is kind of a single with a B-side track and a bonus The Clash cover song.
Why you want it: Country punk against fascist cops and the proceeds go to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.
Why you don’t: You are down with ICE.
Top Tracks: “Yee-Haw! Fuck the Law”, “Police on My Back”
Review by Rizchex
Doe St – “Same Day”
Legless Records – 25 January 2025
This is a 4 track EP from an Australian quartet that’s back after a nearly 3-year hiatus. They say the band has some new members and a new sound.
Why you want it: I don’t know what their old sound was, but this has a grungy garage-punk rock sound that kind of reminds me of 1970’s punk.
Why you don’t: You liked the bands old sound.
Top Tracks: “Figure It Out”, “Same Day”
Review by Rizchex
Hack The Mainframe / Trashed Again – “Hack The Mainframe vs Trashed Again”
Pee Records – 15 January 2025
2 tracks from each of these Australian bands on this split EP.
Why you want it: A good introductory to both these bands that pair well together featuring fast and catchy skate punk anthems.
Why you don’t: It’s only 2 songs from each which may leave you wanting more.
Top Tracks: “Roundabout”, “Medicine”
Review by Rizchex
Filthy Militia – “High Ground”
Pookout Records – 23 January 2025
7-piece ska-punk outfit from London debut LP.
Why you want it: Energetic with a mix of skanky upbeat tunes, jazzy numbers, dub, a little skacore, held together with tight drumming, a strong brass section, and upstrokes of course.
Why you don’t: You like your ska to fit into one subcategory.
Top Tracks: “Making Myself Clear”, “Never”, “High Ground”
Review by Rizchex
Reifer Madness – “No Hope”
Pils / Pandemix Records – 19 January 2025
4 track EP from this Hardcore/Street punk band out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Why you want it: Fast, loud, energy packed, crusty and grungy, but the sound quality is clean.
Why you don’t: Some of the lyrics are too fast to make out so the idealism behind them may not be understood.
Top Tracks: “No Hope”, “Plastic Bomb (Poison Idea Cover)”
Review by Rizchex
Likes fine beer and cheap cheese. 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