On L.P. 2025, Detroit hardcore band Bad Beat throws down an explosive, no-frills slab of punk-fueled aggression that refuses to be boxed in. Across 14 tracks, the band captures the urgency of classic '80s hardcore, the swagger of mid-2000s street punk, and the low-end power of modern heavy music. The result is a fast, filthy, and surprisingly groovy record that manages to stay raw while still showcasing just enough detail to keep listeners hooked.

The opener, “My Revenge,” sets the tone immediately with tight, punky riffs and drums that come out swinging. The groove is undeniable—sharp and danceable without ever sacrificing intensity. Vocally, Bad Beat brings that pissed-off, spit-in-your-face energy, but it's delivered with clarity and purpose, making every word cut.

From there, L.P. 2025 rarely lets up. “Bad Beat Stomp, Too” slows things down with deep, resonant bass and a more stripped-down structure, offering a thick, groovy bounce that still hits hard. “Make Sense” brings in well-timed breakdowns and thick drum rolls, with two-step moments that feel both classic and freshly executed. The lyrics hit with venom and rhythm—simple, harsh, and effective.

Throughout the album, bass takes center stage, giving tracks like “Wearing Thin” and “Lost” a pulsing, addictive backbone. “Wearing Thin” in particular stands out with its thick, aggressive intro and relatable lyrics about liars and fakes—ending with a final burst of punk energy that begs for a stage dive. Even slower cuts like “Lost” remain compelling, thanks to groovy structure and the band’s ability to shift gears just before things grow repetitive.

There’s no shortage of fury, either. “Guilty” and “Entitled” lean into skate-punk-style riffs and pounding rhythm sections that keep the energy at a boiling point. “Bad Beatdown” features an intense vocal pairing with Never Ending Game, delivering one of the album’s heaviest tracks. The low-end rumbles and groove-rich riffs are matched by a sense of genuine chemistry between the vocalists—two of Detroit’s finest going bar for bar in a breakdown brawl.

Midway through, the album takes a brief left turn with “Jazz Beat,” a short interlude featuring soft drums, simple guitars, and even a trumpet. It’s a clever breather, a chance to reset before the second half descends back into chaos. The band’s sense of pacing really shows here—they know exactly when to give you a break and when to hit the gas.

“Wasted Time” channels classic bands like Judge with thick, mosh-ready riffs and a slow-burn intro that erupts into a gnarly surprise two-step. “Regular Brain” is over before you know it but leaves a mark—fast, pissed, and bass-heavy as hell. “Empty Brain” dials the intensity up even further, with a slightly different vocal approach that adds some unpredictable flair. Guest vocals on this track add an extra layer of grit without overshadowing the main voice.

And then there’s “I.D.W.I.D.A.I.D.N.Y.”—a six-second punchline about doing what you want without anyone’s approval. It’s hilarious, perfectly placed, and somehow exactly what this album needed. The band’s ability to inject humor without derailing the vibe only reinforces their control over the chaos.

By the time “Never Had It” closes the record, Bad Beat has taken you through a full-on hardcore tour: from pit anthems to basement bangers, groove-heavy stompers to tongue-in-cheek asides. The production throughout L.P. 2025 is clean without ever sounding overproduced—the grit is preserved, but everything hits with power.

Bad Beat may be channeling the energy of a thousand DIY shows, but L.P. 2025 proves they know how to craft a record that punches just as hard in headphones. It’s raw, groovy, and built for movement—an album made for crowdsurfers, pit warriors, and anyone who just needs to let loose. A hardcore record that isn’t afraid to have fun and go hard.