by Rob Jones
Penetration were outsiders as they certainly punched with punk power but they also had alternative rock leanings before that term was even coined. Their 1976-1979 existence led to a brace of supreme studio albums and a handful of potent singles. Pauline Murray and Robert Blamire plus their cohorts had far more to fire out of their sonic cannon than sub three-minute gung-ho garage -and, along with contemporaries such as Magazine there was a more expansive sound that unfortunately did not lend itself to mass commercial success.
However, in 2025 Penetration still puts in the miles on the road and their devoted disciples are delighted to witness an act that can still cut the mustard. A more erudite mantra still stands the test of time and whether it is a blast of bombast or an arsenal of adventure our friends from the north can deliver their dexterity.
Those seventies anthems will always deserve a rousing reception. Life’s a Gamble, Nostalgia, Movement, Free Money, Silent Community, Danger Signs, Come in to the Open and Shout above the Noise hit home with atomic aplomb. Don’t Dictate will always be the stand out anthem – but there are so many more big hitters and Firing Squad as well as Stone Heroes lead a pack of powerhouses.
A double album comprising of those two yesteryear long player gems: Moving Targets / Coming Up For Air is out on 6 December 2024. This 39-track 2 CD release features all of leading punk / post punk recordings for Virgin Records plus some self-released demos, bonus tracks and live tunes.
• Disc 1 is debut LP ‘Moving Targets’ which reached No. 22 in the UK National Chart in 1978. The singles: Don’t Dictate, Life’s A Gamble and Firing Squad are on board and also some early demos.
• The second disc is the No. 36 national charting ‘Coming Up For Air’ album which includes the singles Come Into The Open and Danger Signs’ .
Vocalist Murray and bassist Blamire still lead the band to this day – and here we have yet another band who may not have had the notoriety of the original punk peers but they certainly have the tunes to match their sonic friends and foes. Don’t hesitate – no time for procrastination – Don’t Dictate only time for Penetration!
