Pennywise
Full Circle
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Pennywise
Full Circle
Epitaph, 1997
RiYL: Bad Religion, Face To Face |
Full Circle follows two of Pennywise's best works, Unknown Road and About Time. But it also serves as a tribute to original bass player Jason Thirsk, who died of a drug-related suicide earlier in 1997. Thirsk's death serves as the album's backdrop, the catalyst to all the songwriting. The result is song titles like "Fight Till You Die," "Date With Destiny," "Final Day," and "Running Out Of Time."
The intensity of the playing and raw emotion is what makes this a unique record. Even though none of its music is any better or worse than Unknown Road, Circle does contain the raw energy that punk music was founded on.
The dreariness of the album concludes with an uplifting version of "Bro Hymn," which originally appeared on the group's self-titled debut. On Full Circle the track is a memorial to the band's friend and partner: "To our best friend, present, past and beyond. Even though you weren't with us too long, your life is the most precious thing we could lose."
The track was recorded live and features a chorus of backup singers. The heavy bass drum leads the song into high gear, and then kicks off with a full hail of "Whoo ooh ooh oh," from the loose congregation of friends in the background. It's the only way Thirsk could be properly memorialized by his band, friends and his brother, Justin, who sings a verse of the song.
The completely black-packaged album can be seen as Thirsk's sendoff, but it isn't meant to be Pennywise's breakthrough release.
DAVID THOMAS |