Customer Reviews

From the Ashes

5 star:		(126)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Pennywise are punk rock veterans. They have turned out a new studio release every 2 years since the late eighties, never once forgoing quality for quantity. From the Ashes is no exception. Many unfamiliar with Pennywise may write them off immediately for lyrics that are too political and music that sounds all the same. A diehard Pennywise fan, however, can tell you that their lyrics encompass a good range of thoughts and ideas about society, the world, alienation, and life. The music, while it may sound similar on the first listen, has some very distinct differences from song to song and album to album. Again, From the Ashes is no exception.
As soon as the album begins it's already apparent that Pennywise has indeed come back full steam and kicked it up a notch. Shredding guitars, tight, masterful drumming, frenzied yet poignant bass fills and passionate, intelligent vocals are prevalent throughout the entirety of the CD.
Songs like "Waiting", "Holiday in the Sun" and "God Save the USA" are impossibly catchy tunes that fuse the talents of all four members together into a tightly knit package. This is the formula that they have been using for well over a decade and while they have stayed strong and true to it, there's no doubt that they've expanded greatly. It's worked well in pleasing old fans as well as attracting new ones, however, that doesn't mean that Pennywise hasn't considered some experimentation.
This is present in the album and provides a well balanced mixture of sounds within their style of punk rock. Tunes like "This is Only a Test" with it's short-lived but excellent acoustic parts, and "Yesterdays" with the audio accompaniment of children playing in the background during the bridge aren't particularly original, but what really matters is they fit comfortably, adding to and working well with their respective songs.
One thing that I noticed when contrasting this album from earlier ones is that just about every song has two different guitar tracks playing over one another rather than just one. This creates a powerful melodic sound akin to a wall of music rather than a simpler guitar driven onslaught. Another difference I noted was the tone and content of the lyrics, which are less angry this time, and feature a more personal and hopeful view of the future and state of the world. Disappointment and disillusion is the prominent feeling in From the Ashes. This is a change from the last full-length, Land of the Free? that had the heavier sentiments of anger and disgust.
Although this isn't their best or worst album it could hardly be described as mediocre. It's obvious that there was a lot of time and energy put into every aspect of the disc. If I had to pick apart any part of the album, it would be the vocals: everything is perfect about them (including the backups that are some of the most impressive I've ever heard from Pennywise), the production, however, is the problem, giving the vocals a slightly overproduced and unnatural feeling.
Anyone who buys this album will be especially pleased to hear that it comes with a DVD chock full of cool footage ranging from live performances and studio recording/pre-production with interviews, to amusing and random havoc complete with vomiting and paintball injuries.

Truth be told, Pennywise has been releasing essentially the same album since Full Circle. It hurts to admit this as Pennywise was one of my favorite bands when I was in high school but they've lost the magic long ago. It wasn't always so. If you look at their first three records there's a huge amount of change and progression from record to record on all levels. From production, to songwriting to vocals, they were pushing the boundaries of their talent on each record. It all came together on About Time, arguably the most classic example of this kind of punk rock around.

So the big difference back then was every time a new Pennywise album came out you could get truly excited as you were assured they would be flexing their musical chops to the limit. So of course there was that slight pang of disappointment when I put From The Ashes on for the first time and heard pretty much the same song from their last album and the one before that and the one...Don't get me wrong, I still really like Pennywise but they remind more of the Ramones. Sure they make a lot of similar albums but that doesn't mean I don't own every one!

As far as consistency is concerned, this album does not disappoint. It's what you expect from Pennywise - fast, catchy sing along melodic punk with overtly political lyrics. And, like their last few albums, you can count on a few truly stand out songs that really stick in your head. On From The Ashes these tend to happen at the end of the record so you have to have a bit of patience to get to the good stuff.

If you're a casual Pennywise fan you're much better off buying their earlier work as that is really some of the best examples of the early 90's SoCal punk revival movement (along with Bad Religion of course). If you're a die-hard like me then you will definitely find some solid cuts on this record but you'll also find a few that just seem to be treading water. Of course that's why they made the skip button.

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this album is awesome, just awesome. all you people that are like "ugh there so mainstream ugh there old stuff is the only good stuff DURRRRR!" just shut up. its ok to like the new stuff too. personally this is i think the second best pennywise album, first being land of the free, and third being straight ahead. yes, i like the old stuff, but the new stuff is just as good if not better. this album has some great vocal melodies, its very catchy and just awesome. my personal favs are yesterdays, now i know, god save the USA, waiting, and judgement day. if you like your punk a bit more poppy then lets say AFI's Answer That and Stay Fashionable, than this album is for you. to all of you who keep complaining about how the later PW albums are mainstream, there not. so do the world a favor and stop bitching please.

in my opinion this may not be the best pennywise album.... about time.... but it is probably the catchiest. every song has great melodies and you find yourself listening again and again... at least i did. the best songs are now i know, waiting, yesterdays & judgement day... a must have for any pop/punk fan

Pennywise, the highly regarded skater punk band of the Punk Rock era, released their latest CD, From the Ashes, only 2 days short from the 2nd year anniversary of 9/11. The band executes a central theme criticizing the United States government, which they have valiantly revealed in their last couple of CD's, yet From the Ashes uniquely illustrates PW at their most genuine. Their artistic talents are expressed through the quality of each song.

Jim Lindberg sings with a perfect pitch and precision, Fletcher Dragge displays he is ruthless and tasteful on the guitar; Randy Bradbury's bass sound performs in meaningful sequence, and Byron McMackin carries out on the drums with a lively, brisk and radical power.

Opening the `Yesterdays' memories of our past childhood days and `God Save the USA' from the horrible reality of the incidents, which devastated our nation on September 11th, 2001. From the Ashes communicates the thoughts, apprehension, despair and sadness towards the arrogant yet blinded American people. Through their mainstream hard aggressive sounds, the songs they've written cause you to reflect thus send a positive message.

When you have the chance to see them live, you will worship their high-energy sound and talented performance. This band will have your full attention without even trying, at the same time you find yourself unable to avoid the enticing chaos and singing from the loyal fans and audience as well. By the end of their show you cannot help but join along in chorusing Bro Hymn (a song in memory of the late Jason Matthew Thirsk, founder and bass player for Pennywise). Even newcomers who do not know all the words sing along.

Pennywise has long since been my favorite. We've spent more time together than any band I've ever listened (except maybe Bad Religion). Almost ten years since I heard my first Pennywise album "About Time", I find that their latest release "From The Ashes", is just as amazing as anything previous they've done. Pennywise has never felt pressure from the media or other bands to be different. At a time in music where it's very popular to change your sound all the time, especially for money, Pennywise is the breathe of fresh air that we all need. Pennywise has never made a bad record, and I didn't think they'd start with this one, and they didn't.

The album leads off with the energetic "Now I Know" which is the good old Pennywise we've always loved. Hard and fast, with plenty of melodies mixed in there. Jim's voice is just as good as ever, and Fletcher and Randy's backing vocals are great. "God Save the USA" is up next and a good political commentary that you would expect from the guys. "Waiting" is one of my favorite songs on the album. Has a great guitar solo, lots of energy and very good lyrics. A lot of songs on this album follow that patten, like "Falling Down" and "Something To Change". The first single "Holiday in the Sun" (which is not a cover) is the perfect way to be introduced to the band. "Punch Drunk", "Rise Up" and "Yesterdays" are great ones that any fan of Pennywise will love. "This is only a test" uses something that's never been in a Pennywise song before, and that's an acoustic guitar, At the beginning when Jim is singing "This is only a test". However the best song on the album has to be the closer "Judgement Days". The lyris and music are just so amazing. Every time I listen to it I get the same feeling. It's just so good, and another song that won't dissapoint. The album rounds out at about 41:00, which is a good time.

The Bonus DVD included (if you get the special addition) is a nice touch to the cd. It's a good insight into the process of making the record. It also has some footage of the road, and some lives songs, which is just icing on the cake. Some bits of Pennywise's banned in a America video "Home Movies" are on here too, which is cool for people who haven't seen it. Although you can't be "Home Movies" (at least not in the U.S) there's plenty of places you can download it from on the internet if you really want to see it. I forget how long exactly the DVD is, but anything that's free and about Pennywise is worth it.

This album is constantly in my cd player and my car. Even almost a year and a half after it was released, it's still captivating me every time I listen to it. I can't wait to hear the new record Pennywise is planning to release this year. If it's anything like this one, I know it will be great. This one is definitely a nice step up from the less than stellar "Land of The Free". If you don't own this and you're a Pennywise fan, then you need to get it. What are you "Waiting" for?

So many bad reviews for a pretty good album???I think this album is the best by them.All the songs are catchy & i mean it all the songs.Many of their albums take atleast a few listens to get inside the head(including their new album Fuse)but this album is an exception.Standout tracks are 1,2,3,6,8,9,10,11,12.These guys are the best punk rock bands out there today.I hope Pennywise keeps on making good music.

From The Ashes is one of my favorite albums, it's definately worth buying, even though it isn't that cheap.
"From the Ashes" stays action packed through the whole album, it has a great opener which is followed up by "God save the USA" which is also a great song. Soon after that is 'waiting', which I think is the best song on the album, and then the rest of the songs which are really cool also.
The album has a couple weak points, I think one of them is "this is a test", I think it's a really boring song.
I was also disappointed that there weren't as many great guitar solos as there are on 'full circle', so if that's what you're interested in maybe pick up that album first.

This album is still worth buying though, you'll enjoy it

I give it 4 stars because I can't give it 4 and 1/2. I bought this some weeks ago and it's pretty much enjoyable. This CD features the same old Pennywise but with more melody just like they've showed us in "Land of The free?".

Some songs they sound like they're repeating themselves a bit but it's not bad. Other songs they've come up with a witty composition and good energy. I've always been a loyal Pennywise fan and I still am. I only hope they release more CDs like this one. Their angry message and lack of conformity will never get old cause that's what harcore punk is all about. Another great release from an excelent band!

This album is very typical of Pennywise - meaning it's good, but its pretty much the same exact sound they've always had. Not that it's a bad sound, its quite good, and this is definately a breath of fresh air in a current sea of wimpy emo bands crowding the punk scene. It would just be nice for them to try something different for once.