“Power-Trio Perfection From Our Neighbor to the North”
If you’re looking for the short answer, then that answer is yes. Yes, you should buy this record.
What impresses me most about The Penske File’s latest offering, Salvation, is that this is one of those albums that just gets you. It sticks you with the hooks early and often, yet keeps the surprises coming. There’s something for everyone on this record, and after repeated listens (so many!), I seem to only grow fonder of it. Like Bill Hicks used to say, “I’m a 35-year-old curmudgeon,” however, these songs bring me back to when I was first discovering punk rock and pop-punk; a feeling that grows seemingly more difficult to find as the years stack up.
Highlights on the third full-length from the Burlington, Ontario trio include the opening track, “Kamikaze Kids,” which celebrates the naivety of youth with playful verses followed by anthemic, power-pop choruses that will have you picturing all of the crazy antics of your teenage days. “Lakeshore,” “Spin My History,” and “Fairgrounds” are a nostalgia-infused trilogy of songs with switching lead vocals, and each one painting a picture of a specific time and place…one of The Penske File’s many strengths. Midway through comes “American Basements,” a ballad of sorts to the sacred dingy spaces at house shows that we all know and love. Here, the harmonica is showcased along with some tasteful background piano, and a chorus of vocals. The second half of the record stays upbeat, kicking off with “Last Chance,” the fastest song of the bunch that carries a 50s vibe with its blues-rock guitar riffage. “Blessed Unrest,” closes things out with a bang and reminds the listener that this dynamic band will have you singing along and hanging on to every last beat.
Don’t sleep on this band, and certainly don’t miss out on this album.
– Davey Death Ray works at a pizza shop, loves video games, and has strong opinions on headphones vs earbuds
