Album Reviews
The Penske File are back with a new album called Reprieve. Following a short intro, they storm out the gate with the one-two punch of ‘Dead Maps’ and ‘Lucky Ones’, proving right away that they haven’t lost their knack for writing uplifting melodic punk anthems. See also single ‘Lions,’ a hopeful track that serves as “a call to keep life on track while celebrating the beauty in change”.
Elsewhere, the country-laced singalong that is ‘Robbed’ adds to the album’s dynamics, as does the saxophone-enhanced closer that is ‘Big Love’ with which they send you on your way. But Reprieve shines just as brightly when the band leans into quieter, more reflective moments like the melancholy-laced “Rocking Chair” or the early Goo Goo Dolls–esque “Dent.”
Recorded for the most part with the band together in one room to capture the band’s live energy, producer Adam Michael did a solid job of maintaining the urgency and excitement of a Penske File show. The result? The Penske File’s most complete and expansive album to date.
Reprieve track listing:
- Reprieve (Intro)
- Dead Maps
- Lucky Ones
- Almost Young
- Rocking Chair
- Lions
- With You
- Black T Shirts, Bad Habits
- Dent (In The City)
- Curse This Haze
- Robbed
- Big Love
Lacking the talent to actually play in a band, Tom decided he would write about bands instead. Turns out his writing skills are mediocre at best as well.
