Southern California punk legends Pennywise are about to release their 1th studio album titled Yesterdays, out July 11th via Epitaph Records. This release is a reunion of sorts with the legendary Jim Lindberg is back as the front man, and the inclusions of songs written by deceased bassist, Jason Thirsk.
“We always wanted to go back and record these songs because later in our career we started to get more political and angry— that may have turned some people off but that’s what we were feeling at the time,” Lindberg explains. “In the back of our minds we knew we had these cool, old songs that were more life-affirming, it just took us 25 years to get back to it.”
Recorded in the band’s hometown factory district which is known for its influx of rehearsal studios and surfboard repair shops, Pennywise hoped the hometown recording would help Yesterdays preserve the band’s original spirit. To celebrate the release of Yesterdays, the band’s current bass player Randy Bradbury gave us a track by track rundown of the record.
What You Deserve
Jason (Thirsk, bass player) wrote that opening bass line. I could never get away with writing that in Pennywise. This song is about an asshole cop that took advantage of his authority (unheard of, right?).
Restless Time
Old school punk rock. Youthful angst… “you must lead don’t you follow”. A song about creating your own path in life.
Noise Pollution
Lyrically piercing. To the point. It’s about people who do a lot of talking about nothing.
Violence Never Ending
This is a song about how out of control the human race is. It’s a warning. We can fight till we all kill each other, or we can decide to get along, accept, and live in unity
Am Oi!
“My Life” a song about self empowerment. An early indication of the direction Jason was pushing the band.
Thanksgiving
Could you write a more positive song? Jason said it before it was cool. “Think about all that you have, not about what you can get”. Perfect.
She’s A Winner
Pennywise’s one and only love song “I fell off her twice, but I think she’ll understand”. Haha, don’t think we’d go for this lyric now, but this was written in the backyard party days.
Slow Down
Slow Down was a secret track on Unknown Road. Another example of a PMA (para-Methoxyamphetamine) inspired song by Jason.
Public Defender
Jim (Lindberg, frontman) wrote this. This is a call for revolution if I’ve ever heard one. Wait… Where is my beer!?
No Way Out
This one was released on one of the bands first singles, but it just needed to be included on this record. It’s quintessential Pennywise. First released on Theologian records.
I Can Remember
This should be the title track. A song that Jim wrote, about missing, and losing good friends. It’s a running theme in Pennywise. Brotherhood includes good times, loss and tragedy. We can all relate… Life goes on, and we carry the good memories with us.
Yesterdays is out July 11th via Epitaph Records.
