I used to dislike punk music where people sing. And, well, I'm still not super fond of it but there is an exception to every rule. The Penske File are one of those exceptions and maybe it's because while they have a singer (as compared to a "vocalist"), it's still authentic and conveys that everyperson vibe I seek in the genre. Because while the scholars and alleyway punx have debated its meaning for centuries, punk is really about the vibe.
I'd rather not get into defining what's punk and what isn't. What I will say is that much of the music on Reprieve would probably better be categorized as indie or emo, or college rock or alt-rock, etc. But there's a spirit behind it all. While the subject matter is almost always serious, and often somber, there's a tongue-in-cheek element that refuses to take itself too seriously. The band is having fun, even when publicly lamenting their own flaws.
"Black T Shirts, Bad Habits" probably conveys the idea well, a song that I read as highlighting the shall-we-say questionable life choices made while living life in this scene. It's a sober look back lived experienced. I think I'd categorize The Penske File today as indie-emo-punk, but the sound really leans much more into the indie-emo realm of emotional lyrics with pop-structured songs that explore a mood minus the aggressive of punk. "Black T Shirts..." even ends on a 30-second guitar solo -- which isn't something I'd typically endorse, but this one is tasteful.
For the most part the songs on here don't use solos (though the band adds way too much smooth jazz saxophone on the epically-inclined closing track "Big Love"), instead going half-pop, half-emo. They push forward with upbeat tones and reflective lyrics that aim for the heart. And it works.
Personal favorites include, in no particular order, "Rocking Chair," "Lions," and "Curse This Haze."
This is The Penske File's fifth album and it's also clear that they're changing as a band. Songs like "Robbed", "Rocking Chair," and "Big Love" all show a new direction that leaves me enjoying Reprieve but also wondering if it's a transitional album before they introduce a new sound on album 6.
