The Penske File - Grave Escapes

1. Billboard Happiness

2. Dormant Days

3. Smash Apathy

The Penske File have released their second album titled "Grave Escapes". This three song album, the band has followed with the same sound and style as their debut. They have a pretty dirty punk sound that kinda reminds us of travelling music. They have a similar sound to that of The Flatliners or Brutal Youth, so if you like those bands, you could really like this album. They have done a pretty good job here. When looking at the recording quality on these songs, the album has been recorded to a pretty good level, while having an unpolished sound that feels punk. It is hard to make a recording that doesn't sound bad but also feels punk, and we think they have captured that on these three songs. The instrumentation here is pretty good, nothing to really blow your mind, but they are solidly played, good sounding songs. These guys can play. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are a little hard to get used to. Their singer has a voice that is somewhat whiny, along with the background vocals not being in sink with the singer makes it hard, but also punk. They are a band you can tell just what they are singing about, which makes it nice, and it's pretty clear, just the voice is ehh. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about escaping and playing music, following your dreams, hanging with friends, and just living life. We feel that people can get into these songs, as they seem to really just fit in with what young adults do and how they spend time. Not bad overall. If you are looking for a single, there isn't one, and Dormant Days is only one minute long, so just listen to the whole album to get the idea. The Penske File have made a three song album that shows a snippet of what they are doing after their debut, and gives them more to pull from at shows. We personally don't really feel them that much, but they do hold their place. Not a bad job. Give them a listen to decide for yourself what you think of them. 

Genre: Punk/Punk Rock/Rock

Release Date: October 26th, 2012

Location: Burlington, Ontario
Website: http://www.thepenskefile.net/

Label: None