The Penske File – Half Glow

Can someone enlighten me as to why after three steadily improving albums The Penske File are still just another lesser acknowledged Canadian pop-punk band?  This is a band that has put their heart and soul into their music since the very beginning.  And while their earliest efforts may have lacked some truly defining moments, they have steadily filled in the gaps with each subsequent release.  

2018’s Salvation marked The Penske File fully embracing their influences in a way that made their music entirely their own, resulting in some of the most overlooked, single-worthy tunes in the genre.  The album was such a strong offering, I questioned if the band could maintain their upward trajectory.  Five years have passed and the band has finally given their response in the form of their follow-up full length, Half Glow – spoiler alert, the answer is a resounding “yes.”

The Penske File’s defining features are on full display from start to finish.  Vocalist Travis Miles hits the sweet spot between Junior Battles and The Gaslight Anthem, an unlikely pairing that seems to work better and better with each passing album.  Tracks like “Waiting for Rain ” feel like a grand work of other dimensional pop-punk if Blink-182 were busking on the streets of the Bowery outside of a Bruce Springsteen concert.  “We’re Both Still Alive” lays down a similar sonic footprint, commanding a quick tempo with a husky yet melodic delivery.  Each line is emboldened by a chorus of versatile gang vocals that trade off lines and strengthen key choral highs.  Meanwhile, “Ride It Out,” slows things down and takes a well paced breather – giving listeners a moment of contemplation in welcoming an anthemic chorus sure to be an instant crowd favourite.  The track’s style and frayed delivery has so much life and personality that it feels as if it could have been penned by The Menzingers.  

Another feature that The Penske File has mastered is in their depth of lyrics.  “Modern World” serves as the obvious highpoint for those seeking meaning in their music.  “How do we live in this modern world” questions Miles in the warmth of this oil lamp burner of a track.  The slow, methodical flowing tempo offers listeners a chance to really digest every word and scenario presented.  Intended as a song for the everyman, lines like “Let there be songs for the workers And songs for the drunks, Songs for the lovers who just can’t get back up,” invite listeners of all walks of life to question our trajectory as a society and as individuals.  One paradox that stands tallest is the line, “Out on the rigs, Sammy’s working for his food, One hand in his pocket, the other in his tomb” – a sentiment that summarizes our collective need to participate in modern society, yet highlights how the life that feeds us also jeopardizes our very existence.  Each song boasts equivalent levels of depth, and is well worth following along with the lyrics sheet.

So once again, I sit here scratching my head as to why The Penske File isn’t a widely acknowledged staple in the punk scene and beyond.  The maturity and skill of their songwriting make the Burlington, Ontario trio stand shoulder to shoulder with any of the old guard on Epitaph or Fat Wreck that continue to headline and open festivals.  A career worth of hard work, continuous growth and unyielding dedication has resulted in Half Glow being a serious contender for year end lists.  Gentlemen, this is your moment.