Pennywise
Performers with major problems before fame, rarely find the cure when adulation arrives. In fact, the problems usually become worse. Many Rock groups have at least one dysfunctional member. For the Punk-revival Pennywise Jason Thirsk was the one. Bass playing Thirsk had been a member of the So. Cal. hardcore scene. In '88, he joined fellow Hermosa Beach High School alum, vocalist Jim Lindberg, guitarist Fletcher Dragge and drummer Bryon McMackin for Pennywise. A year later their indie released debut EP "Word To The Wise" caught the attention of Epitaph Records. An eponymous full-length debut followed. The group hit the road but Lindberg had second thoughts. Feeling the need for the security of a day-job, he bailed. The group continued with Thirsk taking over lead vocals and recruiting his former bass teacher, Randy Bradbury.
During the recording of their second album Lindberg, now married, decided to return. So Bradbury was, as it turned out, temporarily sidelined. Thirsk who had been handling vocals was, along with the rest of the group, glad to have Lindberg back.
Lindberg found Pennywise was dedicated and focused; a far cry from what he'd left. "Unknown Roads" came out in '93. Prior to the recording of their third album the major labels made a play for the group but they decided, probably wisely, to stay with Epitaph. "About Time" continued to build the Pennywise's audience. Their songs were frequently featured in skateboard/snowboard films and that helped drive album sales. Also, Dragge developed the novel stage habit of vomiting on the audience.
'96 proved to be a most difficult year. Thirsk took a leave of absence to deal with his mounting alcohol problem. Once again, Bradbury signed on. This time around though, the plan was to have Bradbury move to rhythm guitar when Thirsk returned. Didn't happen. On July 29th, '96 Thirsk committed suicide following a drinking binge.
Shaken, Pennywise decided to continue with Bradbury becoming a permanent member. "Full Circle" was released in '97 and "Straight Ahead" in '99. "Live At The Key Club," recorded in L.A., followed a year later.
"Land Of The Free" hit in '01 with the red tinged front cover of police in riot gear and the single "F*** Authority." Well, of course.
Pennywise is politics (liberal) with the standard "don't mess with us" attitude. They found initial success with skaters, snowboarders and surfers. Those are high impact, high intensity sports. It proved to be an excellent match. At their best they blend a Punk attack with Speed Metal drive. The break-neck rhythm section, Dragge's machine-gun chords and Lindberg's full-throttle Punk vocals are the group's main draws. "About Time," "Full Circle" and "Land Of The Free?" are the standout CDs.
"About Time" shows a journeyman group whose time has come. The often-optimistic lyrics stand in direct contrast with their contemporaries. "Full Circle" presents the post-Thirsk Pennywise and nothing is taken for granted. After the lackluster "Straight Ahead" and "Live At The Key Club," the group could have been written off as a '90s thing. However, Pennywise again shows the driving, uncompromising spirit that got them noticed in the first place with "Land Of The Free?"