Philadelphia punk band !franklin is giving fans another look at its upcoming collection, Go Kid Go [Remastered & Expanded], with the release of “Dreams About Driving.” The song first appeared on the group’s 1993 debut 7-inch, Something Blue Automotive, and helped introduce listeners to the band’s mix of post-hardcore, emo, and indie punk sounds.
Formed in 1992, !franklin became an important part of Philadelphia’s DIY scene during the 1990s. Across its eight-year run, the band built a style that did not fit neatly into one genre. Their songs combined sharp guitar work, driving rhythms, and melodic turns that connected punk energy with the growing emo movement.
“Dreams About Driving” captures that approach early in the band’s history. Built around a rolling bass line and steady, reggae-inspired rhythm, the track blends the tension of post-hardcore with the emotional edge of mid-1990s emo. The song also points toward the wider range of influences that shaped the group’s later releases.
Due out July 17 through Solid Brass Records, Go Kid Go [Remastered & Expanded] gathers !franklin’s complete recordings from 1993 through 1996. The deluxe 2xLP set includes the long unavailable Go Kid Go album, the Something Blue Automotive, They Said It With Fireworks, and Roy Is Dead 7-inches, rare compilation tracks, and two previously unreleased studio recordings.
The collection was remastered from the original tapes by Dan Coutant. Vinyl packaging was designed by Sonny Kay and features a reverse-board gatefold jacket, printed inner sleeves, and transparent cobalt-blue vinyl. A bonus 7-inch also includes two songs from the band’s earliest demos.
During the 1990s, !franklin shared stages with acts including Fracture, The Jazz June, Heroin, U.O.A., The Crownhate Ruin, The Van Pelt, and Unwound. Those connections helped place the band within a fast-growing underground network while highlighting its unique sound. Listeners who enjoy the angular guitar interplay of Jawbox, the intensity of Fugazi, or the adventurous spirit of Seaweed and Sunny Day Real Estate may find familiar elements throughout the collection. Even so, !franklin’s songs continue to stand apart from many of their peers. The reissue offers a deeper look into that creative era.
