DRIVE BY CINEMA AND DEDFONES COME TOGETHER IN A SCRAPPY POP-PUNK SPLIT EP

SoCal heroes Drive By Cinema and Dedfones have become synonymous with the spirit of DIY. Their grungy, rough-around-the-edges exterior is met with vulnerable lyricism and powerful lead vocals. Now, with the help of Stay Tough Records, the two bands have merged for a Multiverse Of Madness moment in a ‘Split Ep.’

Dedfones begins the madness with a high-energy hit, “The Wedding.” The group offers a distinctive nasally lead vocal, rivaling early pop-punk with a modern twist. It’s perfectly whiny; it would be a lie to suggest that the whine isn’t the best part of pop-punk outside of the angst. This track has a healthy mix of both.

Next, Drive By Cinema bring even more energy in “Gun Slinger.” This band contrasts perfectly with Dedfones, showcasing a more soulful side of pop-punk, especially within the lead vocals in this song. Both bands offer vulnerable lyrics, but featuring unique personal twists that keep the EP interesting. Their interlude, “RIP Pop-Punk” is hilarious; people often forget that pop-punk has always been an unserious genre, so returning to that side of things is absurdly refreshing.

Finally, “Nails” closes things out on a more serious note. There’s a nostalgic element to the track, combining some OG Green Day and Blink-182 tactics, back from when pop-punk was initially beginning to blur sonic boundaries. The crooner intro adds a smooth texture, especially with “coming of age” lyrical themes. Simply put, pure pop-punk is often best at its simplest. Dedfones have found their “sweet spot.” Of course, they would have done well in the 00s scene—but their home base is within 2025 DIY. We need this kind of scrappy grit to survive.

Overall, heart and soul drives this split EP. It’s campy yet serious and sincere yet melodramatic as you’d expect of the genre. Though up-and-comers, both Drive By Cinema and Dedfones have proven themselves many times over. It appears we are at a turning point for both bands. I am very excited to be able to say, “I knew them when…”