www.pennywisdom.com - www.epitaph.com
Pennywise have gone with an album similar to Straight Ahead with their seventh studio release Land of the Free? It's certainly much heavier and more aggressive and the vocals have been glossed over a touch more. Taking a strong stance on free speech and a strong interest in global politics, the album draws inspiration from two worldwide WTO protests and the recent US elections.
Land of the Free? opens with it's strongest song Time Marches On. It's fast, aggressive, catchy, and yes it's still Pennywise. As fans of most bands fear unnecessary changes in style with the release of new albums. The title track Land of the Free? continues with the same aggressiveness and powerful lyrical content. The song Fuck Authority impresses with nice vocal melodies and a big sing-along chorus towards the end of the song. The singers being winners of a competition run by the band. Enemy is another favourite with a pacy verse that breaks down into a hostile chorus with loud cries in the back-up vocals a highlight. Pennywise will surely reel you in with the slender melody of My God. The album slows down on intensity a fraction towards the end. Nevertheless, catchy tunes and chunky guitar work in songs like Who's on Your Side, Divine Intervention and WTO will keep you interested. Overall, a very solid effort from Pennywise which is sure to be a winner with the fans. (Matthew Matanovic)