Bad Beat – L.P. 2024
Released: 2024
Label: CMI Records
Bad Beat is the new heavy hitter in Detroit hardcore, and their debut full-length, L.P. 2024, is a straight-up sonic sledgehammer. Born from the ashes of the much-loved Strange Magic, this album delivers raw, unapologetic hardcore that’s as relentless as it is authentic. If you’re into circle pits, brutal riffs, and lyrics that punch you in the gut, this is your jam.
From Strange Magic to Bad Beat
If you’re mourning the loss of Strange Magic, you’re not alone. Their 2023 release, This Is The Future They Wanted, was my top pick of the year, with standout tracks like “Time Machine” and “You’re A Product” still making regular spins. Their final show at Edgemen Printing in March 2024 felt like the end of an era.
But a few weeks later, Bad Beat rose from the ashes, hitting the same venue with a vengeance. And let me tell you, they’ve taken things up a notch. While Strange Magic leaned into experimental vibes, Bad Beat strips it back to pure hardcore aggression.
A Hardcore Dream Team
The band is fronted by Jimmy Lawson, who you might know as one of the masterminds behind Edgemen Printing in Clinton Township, Michigan. Besides cranking out merch and running alcohol-free hardcore shows (great for someone like me who’s been sober for over 20 years), Lawson has assembled a band that screams Detroit grit.
Adding to the punk cred, the album’s killer cover art was created by Denis Halilovic, bassist for Never Ending Game—another Detroit hardcore staple. Signing to CMI Records, a label that knows how to back the best hardcore bands out there, was the cherry on top.
Tracks That Rip
L.P. 2024 is hardcore at its most direct and uncompromising. My top pick? “Weight of the World”—a track so crushing, it feels like the title was taken literally. Other standouts include:
• “Through Your Eyes” – A relentless track with a driving intensity.
• “Numbskull” – Packed with enough raw energy to level a venue.
• “Out of Place” – Perfect for throwing yourself into the pit (or at least some aggressive headbanging).
The album has the precision and fury of Detroit legends like Negative Approach and the raw passion of Cold As Life. It’s more straightforward than Strange Magic, but that stripped-down approach only amplifies the impact.
Live Shows: Hardcore Warning
Bad Beat’s live shows are a full-contact sport. I caught them at the 2024 Tied Down Festival in Detroit, and let’s just say, the pit was not for the faint of heart. This isn’t your casual “sway and nod” kind of crowd—it’s hardcore, and it gets violent. If you’re stepping into the pit, be ready to throw down or get out of the way.
For Fans Of…
If you’re into bands like Strange Magic, Cold As Life, Negative Approach, Agnostic Front, or Madball, L.P. 2024 belongs in your collection. It’s raw, unfiltered Detroit hardcore, delivered with passion and precision.
Final Thoughts
Bad Beat’s L.P. 2024 is a debut that hits all the right notes for hardcore fans. It’s heavy, fast, and unapologetic—a perfect continuation of Detroit’s hardcore legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the scene or just dipping your toes in, this album demands your attention.
Grab it on vinyl, CD, or digital download, crank it up, and get ready to feel the Weight of the World.
