Straight Ahead,
PennywiseFrom the outset, the main theme of pennywise's record 'straight ahead' is politics. Whether you mind politics or not, pennywise make sure you're going to listen to what they have to say; because their lyrics and songs are performed with impressive force and conviction.
Initial track 'Greed' starts at walking pace, slowly building, until suddenly guitars gather pace and it transforms into an anger filled shout to American capitalism and the unequal distribution of wealth. Second track 'My Own country' continues the trend, with a brilliant chorus - "give me death or liberty, I am my own country, United States confederate of me".
Following tracks 'Can't believe it' and 'Victim of reality' are average, yet good songs all the same; 'Straight ahead' is a shout filled message about making your own choices, conducting in Pennywise's own immunitable style. 'Alien' is an undisputed classic, as is 'American Dream', (yet) another song dedicated to the inconsistencies and inadequacies of the American political system. Yet some tracks serve only as fillers, such as 'One Voice', 'Just for you' and 'Need More', which is a shame; as although they are listenable, Pennywise are obviously capable of making every song a classic, and here, this is not the case.
Another reservation i do have about some of the songs on here, is that they sound relatively similar - I realise this is Pennywise's style, but slightly more variation would have been welcome. Having said this, this album is still well worth buying, and, if you own a walkman make a tape/minidisc of this album when you go skateboarding/riding, because it sounds fucking cool on the move.
nick
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