Pennywise - Straight Ahead

OK, there's no way around it. Pennywise often sound an awful lot like Bad Religion. But in some ways Pennywise's biggest flaw is also their greatest strength. The band's melange of power and melody suits them well, making songs like "My Own Country" and "Victim of Reality" as engaging as Bad Religion cuts like "You Are (the Government)" and "21st Century Digital Boy." Indeed, Pennywise's penchant for hooks maximizes the impact of their more bombastic material, allowing them to play at blistering speeds without dissolving into a dissonant blur. "Can't Believe It," for instance, pummels with hard-core beats and buzz-saw guitars, and still manages to incite uncontrollable bouts of grinning and head bobbing. And when Pennywise find a groove, as on the metallic anthem "Can't Take Anymore" or the harmony-laden "Alien," they're one of the most captivating pop-punk bands on the indie circuit. --Jon Wiederhorn Amazon.com

Regurgitated Punk

Excellent musicianship. The lyrics are mundane, juvenile, and lame, the music is derivative, and unoriginal. This is just more regurgitated punk on steroids, and crank. SO WHAT ! ? YAWN! NEXT! ! !
February 23, 2008

200 bpms!

When the punk rock ska thing was big in bricktown, nj this was the first album i was introduced too. This cd would pump me up to go surfing in the winter at seaside when the water and air were both in the 30s. Classic punk power chords, hyper punk beat drums, poignent lyrics sung well. The album is long and hard to listen all the way through unless youve had a few cups of coffee, but dont quit at track 9 every song deserves to be heard and appreciated, take an interlude if you need too. You will not be dissapointed! March 16, 2007

"Go Straight Ahead"

Following Jason Thirsk's tragic death in 1996, Pennywise released what is probably their most popular (and darkest) album in 1997 entitled "Full Circle". And after having conquered their demons with their previous release, where would they go from there? Well "Straight Ahead" is indeed the answer, because it's apparent with this release that the band was moving straight ahead. This record serves as a perfect means for Pennywise to get back to what they were always known for, and that is writing edgy, energetic punk with a positive message. And did they ever return to form with "Straight Ahead". Fans of the band will be more than pleased with the quality of this ability, and if somehow it has been skipped before, this is one of the most essential albums Pennywise has put out to date.

What needs to be said about these guys that hasn't already been said? Speedy punk riffs, powerful vocals, fast drumming and great song writing are what they have always been about, and "Straight Ahead" showcases that perfectly. Songs are a lot more positive this time around and less concentrated on death like their previous album "Full Circle". There's something for every fan of their sound, as they continue to pull out political messages ("My Own Country", "American Dream"), passages of positive thinking ("Straight Ahead", "Still Can Be Great") and social issues such as peer pressure and alienation ("Alien", "Watch Me as I Fall"). Musically they are still one of the best punk bands around, and every song shows that. Fletcher continues to write catchy yet aggressive riffs and coupled with Jim's voice, the band keeps their signature sound in tact. Byron and Randy of course back the band in true fashion and make sure the album is just as full of energy as any of Pennywise's discography. This is probably the only 17 song album that is a breeze to listen to straight through and never gets repetitive. Not many bands can claim a feat like that.

What's most impressive is that Pennywise (who have been around for the better part of 17 years or so) continue to put out album after album of amazing songs, when other bands have come and gone in the same time period. For their fifth official album(they have since turned out 3 more, bringing the grand total to 8) the band showed no signs of slowing down, and continued to prove why they are one of the greatest punk bands of all time. This album is essential to all Pennywise fans, and in all rights is probably in the top 3 for the best of the band's catalogue. It was great to see that Pennywise was able to move on from Jason's death and return so triumphantly. In all rights Pennywise could have ended in 1996. But "Straight Ahead" is a testament to the band's determination and ability to write absolutely astounding songs. As the titled track says, there's nothing left to do, but "Go Straight Ahead." March 25, 2006

To mister Jon Wielderhorn

You don't know what you're talking about, man. Comparison is the worst form of judging a band (and art, for that matters). I hate when people criticise something using a comparison as the strongest point of their views. This is ridiculous. Althoug BR is also an awesome band (even older, maybe wiser and a direct influence over every hxc band such as Pennywise) you can't say they sound like PW. If you do think so, then there's something wrong with you and you shouldn't be allowed to review albums like this. If you have an oppinion, then it's OK. But never compare. Yes, they are fast. They are melodic. And they're the best on what they do right now.

This album is epic. 17 songs of pure power tearing apart the walls of conformity like no other punk release. Unforgettable songs and yelled vocals which will make you jump without control. This is Pennywise. November 11, 2004

LISTEN TO PENNYWISE!!!!!!!!!!

I actually give this album(and Pennywise)10/5 stars. They are a perfect band. They are great musicians and their lyrics are raw and relate to real people. This is by far my favorite album, there is not one mediocre song on here. Badge of Pride is one of the all-time great punk songs and a Pennywise classic. They have never sold out and always stay true to their roots. so many of my favorite Pennywise songs are on this album, it's hard to count, but here's the top 5-Badge of Pride, Can't Take Anymore, Greed(Byron's drumming is out of control!), Straight Ahead, My Own Country, and American Dream. Buy this album, you won't ever regret it! October 2, 2004

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