Pennywise FROM THE ASHES (Epitaph)

With punk commercialism at an all-time high, every new Pennywise release is a crucial reminder that plenty of bands out there still have integrity. On their seventh and latest Epitaph album, the AC/DC of LA skatepunk play to their strengths: frontman Jim’s neurotic howl and the band’s maximum-impact hardcore underpinnings. Last time out, they managed to score a minor hit with a song called "Fuck Authority," which gives you an idea of the built-in limitations of their mainstream appeal.

"You want it all for free, I give you nothing/That’s the way it’s gotta be," Jim spits on "Rise Up," the most defiant of the new disc’s several blazing motivational speeches. On the metallic "God Save the USA," he blames the president for everything and says his prayers with bitter sarcasm. "Waiting" battles emotional uncertainty with harmonic uplift and guitarist Fletcher’s ugliest death rattle. The group’s inspiration flags on "Salvation" and "Holiday in the Sun," which pay humdrum tribute to two of punk’s most timeless anthems. Otherwise, Pennywise’s melodic head-rush is a potent response to these troubled times.

(Pennywise perform this Friday, January 30, at the Palladium in Worcester. Call 508-797-9696.)