Moving Targets

About

Critics and fans correctly called Penetration’s 1978 debut, <i>Moving Targets</i>, one of punk rock’s best. Yes, the band’s first single (1977’s “Don’t Dictate”) was a near-perfect rush of sneer and ’tude, but it was their self-possessed frontwoman, Pauline Murray, who truly made the band great. Not only could her massive voice rattle oil tankers out on the River Thames, but her thoughtful lyrics challenged listeners and sometimes recalled Patti Smith. Murray’s skills enhanced the band’s Stooges-like riffs and occasional modal drones, so the songwriting here is ace. “Lover of Outrage” puts melodic drama ahead of rage, and it borders great hard rock, complete with guitar leads that recall Mick Ronson's. The languid “Vision” questions the existence of a Virgin Mary—a song topic as heady as any in those days—while “Life’s a Gamble” amps up the obvious with the biggest, most optimistic chorus in all of punk. The strafing drums and staccato vocals in “Future Daze” anticipate postpunk, and “Free Money” goofs on the idea that cold hard cash will save us all.

via Apple Music

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