Curious what notable personalities in the scene think was great this year? So is TGEFM! So we reached out to some of our favorite luminaries ranging from musicians, label personnel, and more for their “Best of 2025” lists. Now, listen: TGEFM is not a taskmistress. Contributors can write these out however they want. So if it doesn’t actually look or read like a list… and sometimes it really is just a list with no other observations! Who cares?
Melodic hardcore/punks On The Cinder have been tearing up the Upstate NY area scene for the last few years, and this year blew the roof off of the Shadow Stage at Camp Punksylvania. Now, before the band takes some time to record a new set of tracks and prepares for next year’s Pouzza Fest, the Buffalo trio was kind enough to share what got them stoked in 2025.
On The Cinder played with Rodeo Boys three separate times this year (Hot Water Music tour, Catbite tour, and Iron Fest). Their newalbum Junior is excellent and playing with them so much we got to know the music really well. 5 star music and 5 star people.
Our hometown sanctuary Mohawk Place tragically closed early in 2025, but due to hard working staff and community members the venue has been revitalized. We are so gracious for the efforts of the people involved for bringing our beloved punk rock mecca back to life.
The Jukebox Romantics cranked out a new album This One Looks Cool. These guys are our big brothers who’ve taught us so much about being a band and keeping music in your life. Go listen, recommended track “Packing Up My Knives”
This year, OTC embarked on our first UK tour and we just by happenstance met Sean of the band Goodbye Blue Monday from Scotland. They are a trainwreck of a band, but their music is incredible. Getting to meet Sean was an unforgettable experience, to find a kindred spirit across the ocean who we had so much in common with. He showed us around Glasgow and Edinburgh, and passed out in our spare bunk in the hostile. We received him with open arms and were glad he didn’t murder us. Cheers Sean!
Orlando, FL’s Dial Drive put out a new self titled album and it is one of the best sounding records you will hear in your life. This band should be famous, fuck you for not making them billionaires. Recommended track “Forget My Name”.
Our guitar player Jason mastered the new Turkey Blaster Omega album. Amazing ska band and recommended track “Where do I go from here?”
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/
Thank you for including us!
Mike Jacobs thank you Mike!