Pennywise

Editor's Review:

It seems only fitting that Pen-nywise should be a part of Brett Gurewitz's Epitaph label. Though a product of the same community that produced hardcore punk legends Black Flag, the Hermosa Beach quartet plays more in the style of Gurewitz's old band, Bad Religion. Just about every one of this album's 15 songs is loud, fast, idealistic and filled with big choruses that are just right for hollerin' along to.
There is a certain sameness to some of these enthusiastically delivered, anti-establishment anthems, but there are also a number of premium tunes that stand out from the pack. A churning rhythm and blazing guitars mark "Get a Life," a catchy little tune about staying positive and living life with a sense of purpose. "Go Away" is another hyper-speed track that calls for a revolution against polluters and corporate demons, which are no doubt synonymous in Pennywise's book.
The album is graciously dedicated to Jason Thirsk, the band's original bass player who died a year ago. "Bro Hymn Tribute" is a raucous and celebratory homage to Thirsk, while an untitled and lengthy piano piece is probably intended as a more reflective remembrance of their beloved friend.

- Jon Matsumoto

First appeared in BAM magazine 6/27/97
Courtesy and © BAM magazine, internet © Synthesis Network.


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Record Label Epitaph Released April 1997

Tracks 1. Fight Till You Die 2. Date With Destiny 3. Get A Life 4. Society 5. Final Day 6. Broken 7. Running Out Of Time 8. You'll Never Make It 9. Every Time 10. Nowhere Fast 11. What If I 12. Go Away 13. Did You Really 14. Bro Hymn Tribute