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

The Penske File - Young Hearts On Trial

1. Young Hearts On Trial

2. Our Constructions

3. High Fives And Nose Dives

4. Stew Pants

5. Lifelessness - The Great Enemy

6. Suburban Bustle

The Penske File have released their debut album titled "Young Hearts On Trial." This album has a very punk feel to it and hit the traditional punk fan with their music. These guys seem to have a similar sound and style to that of Face To Face or The Flatliners, so if you are into either of those bands, you could really like this album. They have done  pretty solid job on this punk album. 

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty decent quality while still holding onto that raw punk feel. The instrumentation on the album is pretty average, but we haven't really seen a punk band that could blow you away with their playing style so it fits perfectly into what they are trying to do. This does sound really good and they can certainly play so that's all that matters. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are very much in that raw punky style, while being very clear and just what the typical person would figure a punk band would sound like. Their vocalist has done a great job here and he can really sing this style well. With the lyrics, the band goes for singing about things like having a great camping weekend, the hustle and bustle of life, trying to figure out life and just the journey that life brings you. This album is pretty much a journey through life and the things you do while just living life. We can certainly relate to this and think many people can as well. Overall these lyrics are really decent. 

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the feel of the album. 

The Penske File have done a pretty solid job on their debut welcome to album here. This album has the exact punk sound you want it to and it is a great way to start off this band. We really liked this album and we can't wait to see what else the band comes up with. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Punk/Punk Rock/Rock

Release Date: July 9th, 2011

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

Label: None

The Bad Names - Apathy And Billboards

1. Can I Have My Brass Knuckles Back?

2. Crime

3. Deadweight

4. Hostile

5. As Long As We're Still Alive

6. Core

7. I Paid Tax On My Anarchy Shirt

8. Next Goal Wins

9. Welcome To Your Six Foot Hole

10. Track 10

11. Apathy And Billboards

The Bad Names have released their debut album titled "Apathy And Billboards". This album has a very punk feel to it, and you can tell they have something to say. These guys have a Rancid, with Less Than Jake and Operation Ivy mixed in. If you like those bands, you could really like this album. They have done an okay job here.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to just an okay standard. You can hear everything, but it sounds super rough and the whole thing could just be clearer. The guitar in spots sounds badly recorded, and the vocals, especially in the background could be louder. The instrumentation here is at about the same level. It sounds like the band is just playing fast and loud without being tight or showing off skill. This is a young band though, so we can understand it.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album aren't the greatest, and they sound like the singer is trying to go for a lower raspy vocal style. We don't think it really works, and makes it sound a bit too rough. He can however sing alright, and you can figure out the lyrics from his singing, but we wish it was clearer. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about social issues and being against the government. This is something may band in this genre like to sing about. The problem is that not everyone feels the same way when speaking about these topics, but that doesn't stop people from enjoying it. All in all, they did alright.

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song besides the first one to give a listen and you will get the idea of the band.

The Bad Names have made an album that shows what the guys were going for and what sound they want to go with. They have given themselves something to start playing shows with, and  foundation to build from. We are personally not too fond of this album, but we can see where people would be. This is a good attempt for a new young band starting out, and we can't wait to see where they go from here. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Ska/Punk

Release Date: 2009

Location: Burlington, Ontario

Label: None