Skate punks Bridge The Gap are streaming another single from their upcoming Bill Stevenson-produced debut album Secret Kombinations. Check out the new track “Over The Target” below. The LP is due out March 24th on People of Punk Rock Records; head over to the label’s webstore to pre-order it.
“Road Less Traveled” is the second single from skate punk band Bridge The Gap‘s Bill Stevenson-produced debut album Secret Kombinations. The LP is due out March 24th, 2023 on People of Punk Rock Records. Check out the killer new track below and pre-order the album here.
Bridge The Gap‘s debut album Secret Kombinations is out now on People of Punk Rock Records. The 13-song LP was recorded and produced by Bill Stevenston (Descendents, ALL, Black Flag, etc.) at the legendary Blasting Room. If you’re a fan of fast, melodic skate punk, this album is a must-listen. Check it out below, read our review, and most importantly, buy the record!
Skate punk newcomers Bridge The Gap have premiered one final single from their debut album Secret Kombinations. The new song “Up” has an awesome No Use For A Name / Strung Out kinda feel. Check it out below and stay tuned for our review of Secret Kombinations. The album was recorded with Bill Stevenson at The Blasting Room and releases March 24th on People of Punk Rock Records.
After months of hype and anticipation, Bridge The Gap have some serious expectations to live up to with their debut album Secret Kombinations. The 13-song LP was recorded at legendary Fort Collins, CO recording studio The Blasting Room. You may know the producer; I think he’s some drummer guy named Bill Stevenson? No big deal. […]
After months of hype and anticipation, Bridge The Gap have some serious expectations to live up to with their debut album Secret Kombinations. The 13-song LP was recorded at legendary Fort Collins, CO recording studio The Blasting Room. You may know the producer; I think he’s some drummer guy named Bill Stevenson? No big deal.
Secret Kombinations has all the hallmarks of the 90’s “Epifat” skate punk sound. The album serves up a heaping helping of everything from hard charging, Pennywise-ish sociopolitical anthems, to feel-good melodic punk songs in the vein of bands like No Use For A Name, Pulley, and the slightly more contemporary Chaser. Of course, there’s no shortage of whoas and oozin’ aahs sprinkled throughout the entire album.
The record starts strong with its title track, immediately followed by “Road Less Traveled”, delivering a solid 1-2 punch that grabs you right off the bat. “Over the Target” keeps things moving along at a brisk pace with its riffy guitar work and a driving, whoa-filled chorus. “Open Heart Purgery” and “My Creation” are much slower, but still manage to match the energy of the album’s fastest tracks. I’ve seen plenty of people comparing the latter to Pulley’s classic “Insects Destroy”, and I wholeheartedly agree with the comparison.
The back half of Secret Kombinations is where the band starts to really hit their stride; standout tracks include “Found in a Fire”, “Up”, and “Whippersnapper”. Lyrically, these are some of the album’s most introspecticive, personal songs. There’s a really earnest tone on these tracks that echoes NUFAN’s late-90’s output, somewhere between Making Friends and More Betterness.
This may be the band’s maiden voyage under their current moniker, but these guys are no greenhorns. Bridge The Gap’s lineup is comprised of members of long defunct Salt Lake City punk band Unfold, in which they released an album over 20 years ago. When paired with the warchest of knowledge Bill Stevenson brings to the table, that past experience pays dividends on Secret Kombinations. Bridge The Gap put their spin on the skate punk conventions of yesteryear, and the end result is an ultra-polished record with laser focused musical direction.
Super official review score: 4.25 out of 5 star emojicons ⭐⭐⭐⭐¼
Secret Kombinations releases March 24th on People of Punk Rock Records. Head over here to get the album on vinyl and/or CD. Digital download is available on Bandcamp.
Bridge the Gap instantly made waves in the skate punk scene with the release of their debut album Secret Kombinations earlier this year. Now they’re back with a brand new single called “Revenant”, produced by Bill Stevenson at the Blasting Room. We’re thrilled to bring you the exclusive premiere of the track’s music video. Check […]
Bridge the Gap instantly made waves in the skate punk scene with the release of their debut album Secret Kombinations earlier this year. Now they’re back with a brand new single called “Revenant”, produced by Bill Stevenson at the Blasting Room. We’re thrilled to bring you the exclusive premiere of the track’s music video. Check it out below and add “Revenant” to your rotation on Spotify.
Frontman Chad Jensen had this to say about the band’s new single and their plans for the near future:
“We’re going back to The Blasting Room in February to record album No. 2, so we wanted to drop a new tune to hold our fans over and let everyone know we’re staying busy. This is an emotional song for the band. It was also produced by Bill Stevenson.“
Bridge the Gap’s debut LP Secret Kombinations is out now on People of Punk Rock Records. Read our review, buy the record, and stay tuned for more details on the band’s sophomore album.
Bridge The Gap have premiered the first single from their debut album Secret Kombinations, which is due out March 24th on People of Punk Rock Records. Check out the new song titled “My Creation” below and pre-order the record here. Secret Kombinations was recorded and produced by Bill Stevenson (Descendents, ALL, Black Flag, etc.) at […]
Bridge The Gap have premiered the first single from their debut album Secret Kombinations, which is due out March 24th on People of Punk Rock Records. Check out the new song titled “My Creation” below and pre-order the record here.
Secret Kombinations was recorded and produced by Bill Stevenson (Descendents, ALL, Black Flag, etc.) at The Blasting Room. Bridge The Gap joins NOFX, Frenzal Rhomb, Face To Face and many others on a long list of bands who’ve recorded at the legendary studio.
Album tracklist:
1. Secret Kombinations
2. Road Less Traveled
3. Over The Target
4. Open Heart Perjury
5. Screaming Back
6. My Creation
7. Whitecoat Battalion
8. Found In The Fire
9. Bend The Knee
10. Up
11. Bridges
12. Great Unwashed
13. Whippersnapper
Welcome back to the Dying Scene Record Radar, folks! We’re a day late (two days actually) and a dollar short this week, but hopefully you won’t hold that against us. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is a weekly column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new […]
Welcome back to the Dying Scene Record Radar, folks! We’re a day late (two days actually) and a dollar short this week, but hopefully you won’t hold that against us. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is a weekly column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. There was a lot of cool shit announced this week and this is one of the biggest Record Radars yet! So kick off your shoes, pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and break out those wallets, because it’s go time. Let’s get into it!
Kung Fu Records has issued a new pressing of the Circle Jerks‘ Live at the House of Blues. They finally got rid of that ghastly cover art and replaced it with this much more basic, yet tasteful image of the band’s classic Skanking Man logo. Grab the 2xLP on yellow vinyl here.
Pretty sure this 20th Anniversary reissue of Blackout by the Dropkick Murphys was already announced months ago… and we covered it… but I guess these are some new color variants or something? The blue one w/ black hazy shit going on is available here. Red looks like it’s the indie exclusive variant, so that will probably start popping up in record stores soon.
Folk punks AJJ have announced their new album Disposable Everything will release on May 26th through Hopeless Records. I’ve only found two color variants for this one, this red and white one and this very pricey Australia Exclusive purple wax.
Bridge The Gap is a new skate punk band releasing their debut album Secret Kombinations this March on People of Punk Rock Records. It was recorded with Bill Stevenson at the Blasting Room, so it should be good! Check out the first single below and pre-order it on red, white, and grey colored wax here.
The recently revived Drive-Thru Records continues to crank out reissues. The Movielife‘s 2001 EP The Movielife Has a Gambling Problem is getting repressed on a few new color variants. If you’re into paying 25 bucks for a 5-song EP, you can grab a copy here.
Our friends at Something To Do Records have an interesting record coming soon. It’s a long-lost LP from a Dallas pop-punk band called Ed Banky’s Car. This was originally supposed to release in 1996 but, due to some very unfortunate circumstances, it hasn’t seen the light of day until now. Check out one of the tracks below and pre-order Meanwhile in Grand Prairie, Texas here.
Radiation Records‘ pop-punk imprint Hey Suburbia has two brand new reissues up on their webstore. The first one’s a 7″ from Wimpy and Medallions, originally released in 2012. This is Wimpy from The Queers with a backing band featuring members of The Nobodys, The Leftovers, and The Connection. Pre-order here.
Hey Suburbia’s other release comes from Spanish pop-punk band Depressing Claim. It’s their 1995 LP Radio Surf, which I guess Ben Weasel gave a good review in Maximum RocknRoll if the hype sticker is to be believed. Pre-order here.
And that’s all, folks! Another Record Radar in the books. As always, thank you for tuning in. If there’s anything we missed (highly likely), or if you want to let everyone know about a new/upcoming vinyl release you’re excited about, leave us a comment below, or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll look into it. Enjoy your weekend, and don’t blow too much money on spinny discs. See ya next week!
Wanna catch up on all of our Record Radar posts? Click here and you’ll be taken to a page with all the past entries in the column. Magic!
Greetings, and welcome to the Dying Scene Record Radar. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is the weekly column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. So kick off your shoes, pull up a chair, crack open a […]
Greetings, and welcome to the Dying Scene Record Radar. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is the weekly column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. So kick off your shoes, pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and break out those wallets, because it’s go time. Let’s get into it!
If you don’t feel like reading, check out the video edition of this week’s Record Radar, presented by our friends at Punk Rock Radar:
Did you know the new Bouncing Souls record came out this week? Anyway, Pure Noise Records just put this bundle up on their webstore: it includes alternate cover art and a slipmat. Limited to 100 hand numbered copies. Here’s our review of Ten Stories High in case ya missed it!
New Junk City‘s 2022 LP Beg a Promise is getting a second pressing on three new color variants: Clear w/ Pink Splatter (200), Cream (200), and Powder Blue (100). You can get ’em all here.
Chicago punk veterans The Bollweevils have announced their first new album in 14(!) years. Essential is due out May 5th on Red Scare. Check out one of the tracks below and pre-order the record here.
Public Serpents‘ new album is out now on SBÄM Records. If you like crusty ska-core, pick this record up. The band is fronted by former Choking Victim drummer Skwert; this is their first new album in 15 years. The Bully Puppet is available on two color variants, limited to 250 copies each. Get yours here (US) or here (EU).
Another awesome release from our friends at SBÄM is Vegas punks Mercy Music‘s upcoming album What You Stand to Lose. Check out the music video for lead single “Love you/Need you” below and pre-order the record here. Recommended if you like The Flatliners.
I already mentioned this one in a previous Record Radar, but I wanna circle back to it real quick: Bridge The Gap‘s debut LP Secret Kombinations was released this week on People of Punk Rock Records. This is a great record, and they now have copies available on their US webstore! Only like 22 bucks after shipping, pick that shit up. Read my review here.
Last but not least, we have French melodic punks Burning Heads who are reissuing not one, but two of their records: 1994’s Dive and 1996’s Super Modern World. Our friends at Melodic Punk Style have a limited number of copies on their Bandcamp. Get the bundle with both LPs and save $11! And be sure to check out all the other awesome records while you’re over there.
Well, that’s all, folks. Another Record Radar in the books. As always, thank you for tuning in. If there’s anything we missed (highly likely), or if you want to let everyone know about a new/upcoming vinyl release you’re excited about, leave us a comment below, or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll look into it. Enjoy your weekend, and don’t blow too much money on spinny discs (or do, I’m not your father). See ya next week!
Wanna catch up on all of our Record Radar posts? Click here and you’ll be taken to a page with all the past entries in the column. Magic!
Hello, and welcome to the February, 2023 edition of Dylan’s Favorite Punk Albums, EPs & Things! This is the column where I, Dylan (otherwise known as Screeching Bottlerocket), tell you what new punk rock albums, EPs, singles, etc. I enjoyed the most this month. I’m happy to announce that starting this month, this will be […]
Hello, and welcome to the February, 2023 edition of Dylan’s Favorite Punk Albums, EPs & Things! This is the column where I, Dylan (otherwise known as Screeching Bottlerocket), tell you what new punk rock albums, EPs, singles, etc. I enjoyed the most this month. I’m happy to announce that starting this month, this will be a collaborative effort with our friends at Punk Rock Radar. If you like discovering awesome new punk bands as much as I do, I highly recommend following them on Instagram and YouTube.
All that’s changing (aside from the spiffy new few graphics) is John from Punk Rock Radar and I will be doing a podcast-style video where we’ll talk about all my picks included in the written column, as well as his favorite releases every month. In other words, that means even more awesome new punk rock for all you awesome people to enjoy!
Here’s our video for February (let us know what your favorite releases of the month were in the YouTube comments):
(THE) RIMMINGTONS
Rocket to Rimtown
I’m a sucker for a good Ramonescore record, and this debut LP from Sydney, Australia’s Rimmingtons is a really fucking good Ramonescore record. Check out Rocket to Rimtown below and grab it on beautiful colored vinyl here (US) or here (AUS).
HELLAPHANT
Crumble and Rise
I learned a long time ago not to judge a band by its name, folks. Ontario’s Hellaphant is the latest awesome band I discovered thanks to my strict adherence to that rule. If you’re into hooky pop-punk, their new album Crumble and Rise is required listening. Hit ’em up on Bandcamp to get the album on LP, cassette, etc.
WRONG LIFE
Self-Titled LP
I’m a longtime fan of Fraser Murderburger’s work and his latest project Wrong Life is absolutely not an exception. I really enjoyed the band’s first two EPs that culminated in 2022’s Early Workings of an Idea. This new self-titled is another step up when it comes to songwriting and production quality. These are some of the most sincere songs Fraser has ever put out. “The Quartermile” is probably my favorite track, but “Living in the Key of Hope” is a close second since we got to host the exclusive premiere for its music video. Listen below, buy the record here (US) or here (UK) / CD, cassette & digital available here.
EMPIRE ME
I’m Out
Our next stop on this punk rock trip around the globe is Germany, where we are greeted by Empire Me. These guys have been around for a decade, but this is the first time I’m hearing of them. The band brings the heat on their debut full-length I’m Out. This is an excellent melodic punk album; it reminds me a lot of another great band whose name I can’t remember right now. Download it for $5 on Bandcamp.
FAT HEAVEN
Trash Life
So I guess Fat Heaven‘s new record isn’t really a “new record”, it’s a compilation album of previously released EP tracks… but there’s four new songs, too! Anyway, I hadn’t heard of these guys before their music video for “Quarter Life Crisis” caught my eye while doom scrolling Instagram at 3am. Trash Life is a great introduction to this super fun Brooklyn pop-punk band. Listen below and get it on colored vinyl here.
WHEN THE WALLS FELL
Build Back Better
When The Walls Fell is one of many bands John from Punk Rock Radar introduced me to this month. Perhaps you saw our Band Spotlight on them? Build Back Better is the second full-length album from this “transatlantic punk band” with members in New York and Poole, England. It’s very good! The guitar playing is great (actually, it’s very intimidating to me as a mediocre guitar player). Name your price for this one on Bandcamp.
SCREECHING WEASEL
Anthem for a New Tomorrow (30th Anniversary Reissue)
Alright this one probably don’t count, but I don’t give a fuck, I’m counting it. Anthem for a New Tomorrow is my favorite Screeching Weasel album (and one of the greatest pop-punk records of all time in my humble opinion). Mike Kennerty and the gang put a shiny new coat of paint on this beast and, though it may seem sacrilegious, I like it a lot. Check out my review.
BARGAIN BIN HEROES
Waiting for so Long
I’m letting my Floridian bias show here, but I can’t help it. There’s something about Florida and ska that just works. The songs on Fort Myers ska-punks Bargain Bin Heroes‘ new EP Waiting for so Long are their best yet. If you’re a Less Than Jake enjoyer, you’ll like these guys. They actually just played with LTJ at the Culture Room in Ft. Lauderdale; hopefully everyone showed up early and skanked it up for Bargain Bin Heroes!
SPRAINER
Can’t Fix Everything
It’s awesome when music grabs you right from the get-go. Something about this debut EP from Peterborough, England’s Sprainer just clicked with me. I love it and can’t wait to hear more from these guys (blokes?). Listen below, buy it here.
STRUM 101
Trial and Error
Mixing skate punk and ska is something you’ve gotta be real fucking good to pull off. Finland’s Strum 101 is real fucking good. Their new EP Trial and Error is excellent and inspired me to go back and check out their back catalog, and you know what? That stuff’s real fucking good, too! Check ’em out, all their shit’s on Bandcamp.
FRENZAL RHOMB
“Where Drug Dealers Take Their Kids”
Frenzal Rhomb is coming off two of the best albums in their illustrious career. Does The Cup of Pestilence have what it takes to top those records? Of course it does! How dare you question Frenzal’s excellence. This lead single is killer, I can’t wait to hear more.
FAKE NEWS
“Rise & Fall”
Before we leave Australia, let’s take a moment to appreciate this new song from Frenzal Rhomb’s countrymen in Fake News. These guys are a great up-and-coming band that needs to be on your radar if you like skate punk as much as I do. “Rise & Fall” is the second single from their upcoming EP Take Me Away. Check out the music video below and keep an eye out for that EP.
FAINTEST IDEA
“Kill Em Dead”
This list needs some more ska, and our Bri’ish friends Faintest Idea are the right band for the job. “Kill Em Dead” is from their long-awaited new album The Road to Sedition, due out March 31st on TNS Records and Jump Start Records. Recommended listening if you’re into harder edged ska-punk like the Suicide Machines.
BRIDGE THE GAP
“Road Less Traveled” & “Over The Target”
February saw the release of two new singles from the hottest new band in skate punk: Bridge The Gap. Their highly anticipated debut LP Secret Kombinations was recorded with Bill Stevenson at The Blasting Room. All the singles have been top notch; the hype is deserved. Check out the tracks below and pre-order the record here.
LONG DISTANCE
“Left for Dead”
And back to Australia we go! Newcastle’s Long Distance make a very good first impression with their debut single “Left for Dead”. These skate punk (are you sensing a theme here?) newcomers have a bit of a poppy slant that I enjoy. Check ’em out and stay tuned for their second single “What You Want” and eventual debut EP.
OMNIGONE
“Against the Rest”
Skate punk and ska: that’s apparently all I fucking listen to. Anyway, here’s another ska song. It’s the first single off Omnigone‘s new album Against the Rest, which is due out March 31st on the ska powerhouse that is Bad Time Records. Two former members of Link 80 are in this East Bay ska-core band, and if you like Link 80 (or Against All Authority, Voodoo Glow Skulls, or any other hardcore-infused ska bands), I can say with full confidence you will like these guys. Music video down there, pre-order over here.
DEAD ALRIGHT
“Parasites”
Alright, now that our monthly ska quota has been met, time for some more skate punk! I’ve been pimping this (one man) band out for a few months now and I’m not stopping any time soon. Montreal’s Dead Alright is dropping new singles all the time. The latest one “Parasites” is a great song. Listen to it below and stay tuned for more on their debut album; release date TBA on Thousand Islands Records.
DEB CEMETARY
“Let’s Murderlize ‘Em!”
Look, it’s another Canadian skate punk band on Thousand Islands Records! I promise they’re not paying me to heap praise on their bands, that label just puts out really good shit. Debt Cemetary‘s new single is awesome! I think it’s time these guys released an album, eh? Fun fact: the singer from this band makes a guest appearance on that Dead Alright song I just talked about.
RED ATLANTA
“Reaching Out”
Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s Red Atlanta reminds me a lot of early 2000’s pop-punk but faster and with really cool lead guitar parts. Their new single “Reaching Out” has a kinda Slick Shoes-ish vibe. Check it out and if you like it, go back and listen to the band’s 2019 debut album Unsettled. Also keep an eye out for a next album coming soon.
MAKING FRIENDS
“Damage Control”
Brighton, England’s Making Friends are either named after a No Use For A Name album or a Lagwagon song, so that should give you a good idea of what their music sounds like. They just put out a great new single called “Damage Control”. Check out the music video for it below and stay tuned for more on the band’s upcoming album.
In case you didn’t already see it (and actually give a shit), I posted a list of my Top 10 favorite punk albums of all time. It’s hardly a definitive list, most of the shit’s from the 90’s and later. I guess if you want a better idea of the kinda shit I’m into, this is a good way to find out! Check out my list here.
February was a busy month for the Dying Scene Record Radar! The biggest announcement in the world of punk rock vinyl was probably the 25th Anniversary reissue of ALL‘s Mass Nerder. I got my copy (actually I bought two variants because I have no self control), did you? Go here for more info on where to send your money.
Have you checked out the awesome interview Dying Scene’s Jason Stone did with Jason White of Green Day, Pinhead Gunpowder, The Influents & a million other bands??? Stop what you’re doing and check that shit out, it’s awesome! Read the interview here.
That concludes the February installment of the column. Thanks for checking it out! Keep your eyes glued to Dying Scene for all things punk rock and follow our friends Punk Rock Radar on Instagram, YouTube, etc. And be sure to join us again for the March edition; it’s already shaping up to be a killer month for new releases!
Here’s a Spotify playlist with songs from all the releases featured in Dying Scene & Punk Rock Radar’s Best of 2023 series so far: