Pennywise

Reason to Believe

Myspace Records/Epitaph

(Pennywise MySpace)

As Pennywise bass player Randy Bradbury told The Pier in a recent interview, "good songs = good record." This secret for success might sound simple enough, but even for the most talented musicians sometimes creativity can be found wanting. Not on this latest Pennywise record, Reason for Believe, as this is the most solid Pennywise album released in over a decade.

It may have helped that the band had over 60 songs to choose from, plus using producer Cameron Webb was a very smart move. He has a proven track record of making a group sound as good as they possibly can, his recent work with The Aquabats and Zebrahead being perfect examples.

After a brief intro track, the band launches into the metal/punk of One Reason. It's fierce and a perfect way to grab you by the throat and let you know it is time to listen up. On a whole, the album is Pennywise at its most aggressive and yet also at the most melodic it has ever sounded, like on the punk rock anthem of the year, Something to Live For.

While the first single, The Western World, is the most catchiest cut among the bunch, songs like We'll Never Know and Affliction also get me singing along every time. And the old school straight ahead punk of Faith and Hope and It’s Not Enough to Believe make me want to crack out the old skateboard and hit the paths.

Some may question why The Pier has featured Pennywise so heavily in recent times, as they are not really reggae rock. The reason is simple...Pennywise is one of the most positive bands on the planet and have been at the heart of the whole surf/skate scene. Reason to Believe may be old school punk at its best, but through its attitude it is also the perfect feel good album.

Reviewed by Pilipo