“Something To Live For” was a tough cut. I really liked all elements of this song especially the back-up vocals. “All We Need” was another track that stood out to me. Whereas the singing was not overpowering, the drums and guitars made up for that. This song could get the pit moving as could “We’ll Never Know” with the old school Pennywise sound.
“It’s Not Enough To Believe” is by far the best track on the CD. The song is full of great guitar work, a tweaked singing style, hammering drumming, and group vocals. “Affiction” at times had a singing style that reminded me of Bad Religion’s “American Jesus” especially when the chorus kicked in. Then there was “Brag, Exaggerate, & Lie” a speedy track that seems to fly just past you.
Apparently Pennywise had recorded over sixty songs for Reason To Believe and the outcome was fourteen tracks of non-stop beginning to end punk rock. I am serious when I say that 2008 has so far been a good year for punk rock and Pennywise has released a CD that helps my statement. With all of these said “Old School” punk rock bands releasing new material some bands either have it or should just throw in the towel already. Pennywise has no reason to give up just yet.
Just remember when you are listening to Reason To Believe that the band has been around the scene for two decades. I can see some of the diehard been-there-since-they-started fans think this is not top notch Pennywise, but I myself enjoyed it. I have to admit I was kind of scared when I saw that MySpace Records was giving away their CD for free thinking that the band may have only done it for the money but clearly I was wrong. This is a great CD created by a great band that I hope continues to put out material to sooth my inner punk rock addiction.
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