Jason Matthew Thirsk has just died and punk is mourning. But then, imagine the remaining band members (and new bassist Randy Bradbury) trying to forge a record, still suffering from the loss of their most loved band member. What you get is FULL CIRCLE by Pennywise, which, if you think about it, the band has done just that: come full circle. This album, while being an amazing punk album at least, has shown the band's growth and also their anger and frustration with the world and Jason's death. While still being emotionally up-charged like their previous albums, FULL CIRCLE adds an element of realism to their album, that while we can make things better for the world, maybe it isn't so great after all.
The album open with the song, "Fight Till You Die," which warns of a war we must all fight against poverty. "Never gonna make it in your houses lying low/Give it one good try/Give it all and fight till you die!/ FIght till you die!"
"Date With Destiny," the second track, is an amazing song about our own mortality. The next track, though, is perhaps one of the fastest songs the band has ever played. "Get A Life," which I think is indirectly referring to Thirsk, flies through three and a half minutes of sheer speed riffs and punk originality. A great skate song and a song I plan to master on guitar (in, like, a million years).
"Society"--typical Pennywise material. The music--not so typical. This is the first example of the band's experimentation. Don't get the wrong idea; it still sounds like Pennywise; it's still punk. But the song just has a different feel to it. Future albums had more of this sound.
"Final Day"--one of the direct tributes on FULL CIRCLE to Thirsk--is distinctly more negative than most on the album. It shows the frustration the band had while it watched Jason spiral down. But then, the positive side emerges; it tells all of us to be wary of our "final day"--it could be here.
"Broken" is my second favorite song on the album. I can complete relate to its lyrics about being pushed around all thru life but still making it on top. The song is fast and the lyrics are catchy as hell--definitely worth the listen.
Moving along, the ninth track, "Everytime," is easily the best song by Pennywise, and not just on this album. It's something we can all relate to--watching a friend change before our eyes and realizing that we can't do anything about it. "Everytime I turn around I see places that look so unreal/Every time I try and say exactly how I feel/And when I look at you I see a different side each and every time/I try to find another place/There's nothing I can find." My favorite part of the song is the emotionally charged, upbeat bridge. The band members yell "My way," in background, while Jim sings some of the most intense lyrics I've ever heard. Pure brilliance.
The rest of this album (including "Bro HYmn Tribute," a live version of Bro Hymn dedicated to Jason) is stunning, catchy, has great messages, and gives the album a completeness to it. It does feel as if it has come full circle. Just the way all things should.

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends