From Pennsylvania by way of Florida, Penetrode have come together to reject what has become the new norms of punk music with a fresh take on catchy aggression. The Philadelphia-based outfit have a deep history in underground music, with members (both current and former) taking part in such groups as Eye Flys, Drül, Knife Hits, No Qualms, Backslider, and many others. Castillo’s mixture of fed up drawls and fierce yells is somehow refreshing in an age of by-the-numbers punk vocalists, with lyrics that deal with issues of love, sex, identity, inner demons, and beyond, yet retaining an overwhelming optimism that you wouldn’t expect to find among these themes. The rhythm section is anything but regular. Bailey’s bass playing shines front and center, driving songs forward and leaving no dull mom...