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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Bad Astronaut – Untethered
Fat Wreck Chords – 8 November
Things get real interesting, different and downright depressing (in the good way) as Bad Astronaut returns with some stripped down brilliance.
Why you want it: 20 years ago, Bad Astronaut was fucking awesome… today, they still are and Untethered somehow adds more depth to three of the most emotionally heavy records of the Fat catalog.
Why you don’t: These are songs that will make you feel some things… I’m not a fan of trigger warnings, but you may not want to listen to this until you’ve passed the grief stage… because this shit will tug those heart strings.
Top Tracks: “Greg’s Estate” “The F Word”
Review by Bad Dad
Blanket of M – Fever on Front Street
Hey Fuck You! Records – 22 November 2024
This is 6 songs from the bands “Feral Fever Dreams” LP and 4 new previously unreleased tracks all recorded live at the Green Room in Tyler, TX.
Why you want it: If you’re a fan of the band and want new tracks, or just like live recordings, this is an aggressive old school punk live sound.
Why you don’t: You like your music recorded clean and overly produced.
Top Tracks: “Rehab”, “Garbage Dump”, “Cross My Heart”
Review by RIZCHEX
The Cure – Songs of a Lost World
Universal Music Group – 1 November
It is so nice to hear Robert Smith and company with new tunes.. especially when they are this good.
Why you want it: Ever notice has certain artists can be huge for decades but never have their talent or integrity questioned? There’s a reason, and this proves The Cure‘s staying power is no mistake and continues to grow.
Why you don’t: Are you new to the planet? If not you should know if you want to listen to The Cure.
Top Tracks: “A Fragile Thing” “I Can Never Say Goodbye”
Review by Bad Dad
Lexan – Demo II
Delayed Gratification Records – 22 November 2024
Lexan is a newer hardcore band out of Ohio. This is the bands second demo, if you didn’t guess that from the title. It’s available on digital download and a green cassette tape. I am a fan of the old school “J” card cover artwork but I’m still not getting back into cassette tapes.
Why you want it: Even if you’re not a big hardcore fan you might like this. It’s uplifting, anthem hardcore, and even a little catchy.
Why you don’t: Maybe you feel you need to hear the first Demo first, I know I went back and checked it out.
Top Tracks: “Fun House”, “Work Horse”
Review by RIZCHEX
Port Rats – “4 From The Gutter”
22 November 2024
Their sound is a little bit horror punk and rockabilly punk.
Why you want it: Vocalist Bo’sun38 sounds like Cameron Frye’s impression of Slone Peterson’s dad and it’s awesome.
Why you don’t: You only listen to Horror punk for Halloween.
Top Tracks: “Kâramanèh”, “The Ballad of Ape Canyon”
Review by RIZCHEX
prom – From The Wayside
Sugar Free Records – 8 November
Remember emo-core circa 1998? These guys do, and fucking kill it.
Why you want it: Are you like me and too old to stuff yourself into a grimy, overcrowded, low-ceilinged and sketchy as fuck basement show? Pop this sumbitch on and relive all of it without the staph infections.
Why you don’t: Remember, like 2 sentences ago, when I waxed nostalgic about the delights of soft and aggressive, poignant and ear-shattering mid to late 90s emotional hardcore scenes? If you weren’t into it then, you probably aren’t now… and thats your loss because this album makes the rose-tinted glasses look so damned good.
Top Tracks: “Hexagonal Shaped Anxiety” “Joy Is…”
Review by Bad Dad
Anthony Raneri – Everyday Royalty
Equal Vision Records – 15 November
Long Island punk moves to Nashville, writes killer Americana-emo (I wish someone could make emo-cana happen) folk-punk record.
Why you want it: The Bayside frontman has always had a knack for lyricism and darkness. This record shows, the man can, in fact, smile and look at a glass as half full… and do it quite fucking well.
Why you don’t: The despair and pessimism of Bayside are appealing, this record lacks that element, trading it in for boxcar pacing and relished moments.
Top Tracks: “Over Time” “I’ll Be Fine”
Review by Bad Dad
Reckless Threat – Live at Capone’s
Coffin Curse Records – 21 November 2024
I haven’t heard much before from Reckless Threat but if they sound this good live, I’ll have to check out some of their studio recordings next.
Why you want it: It’s fast, raw, and dirty classic punk, and it’s live!
Why you don’t: The band just went on indefinite hiatus, so maybe you don’t want to get into them now.
Top Tracks: “Weasel Words”, “Breathe”, “CTRP”, “Void”
Review by RIZCHEX
VVM – Crucial Burger
Thrash Tapes – 25 November 2024
I don’t know much about this San Francisco band but I think they are a recently formed group. Once again this is available on cassette tape, what’s the deal with hardcore and cassettes?
Why you want it: It’s a cross between power punk and hardcore punk, pissed off vocal delivery with tons of energy but the lyrics doesn’t take themselves too seriously.
Why you don’t: You don’t want your hardcore to be fun.
Top Tracks: “Crucial Burger”, “Forget the Adult”, “Prog Rock”
Review by RIZCHEX
Wussy – Cincinnati Ohio
Shake It Records – 15 November
I was immediately disoriented (and sold) on first listen by the Michael Stipe-yness of co-vocalist Chuck Cleaver’s voice, but with each subsequent play through, I got past the comparison because the album allows a new favorite moment that is better than the last at each listen of each track.
Why you want it: Brimming with melancholic dreaminess, I couldn’t even tell you that this is for fans of… its just fucking great. Give it a go with no preconceived notions, you will not be disappointed.
Why you don’t: I truly believe there is something for everyone here. Give it a listen and tell me I’m wrong. (I won’t admit it, but you can try to convince me)
Top Tracks: “Sure As the Sun,” “The Great Divide” “Disaster About You”
Review by Bad Dad
