Pennywise is one of the most important, historic bands playing punk rock today. They virtually defined the "skate punk" sound and have been a mainstay on Epitaph since the early days of the seminal label. Only a handful of active bands can claim such levels of punk rock significance and longevity - Rancid, Bad Religion, and NOFX come to mind immediately - but for some reason Pennywise has always seemed to lack what their prominent punk peers have been able to capture in their records. "From the Ashes" is a perfect example. Pennywise are as tight as ever, the tunes are driving; drawing the lyrical content from 9/11 and the events that have followed in its wake, one would expect a formidable offering. Unfortunately, "From the Ashes" lacks a hook that will beg its listener to give it more than a few spins. To be sure, there are moments of brightness. "God Save the USA," a strong anthem culled from a fine tradition of punk rock dissent, would be one of those moments. Another would be the excellent bonus DVD, which includes, among other features, a tour video and a making of segment. Taking for granted that the punk played on this record is still better than what ninety-eight percent of the bands today are doing, one cannot help but hope for more from a band with such a storied reputation.
2.5/4
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