New Music Showcase: The Penske File

By Dennis Lightheart  05/23/2025

Welcome to our newest blog segment "New Music Showcase" brought to you by musician, promoter, and blogger Dennis Lightheart. Follow his blog on Facebook HERE

New Music Showcase: The Penske File

Long before they became known as The Penske File, the seeds of this remarkable band were sown in the playgrounds and backyards of Burlington, Ontario. Childhood friends Travis Miles, James Hall, and Alex Standen first joined forces at the tender age of 12 or 13, originally forming a ska-punk outfit called The Bad Names. Their early days were marked by the spirit of experimentation and camaraderie—a dynamic that remains the pulse of their sound today. As they matured, the trio recognized that their musical vision was evolving. During their high school years, they embraced a new identity and sound, eventually settling on the name The Penske File.

 Allegedly, the name was chosen because it was the option everyone “disagreed on the least,” with an added wink to their pop-culture influences (a playful nod to the Seinfeld reference). This rebranding was far more than just a name change; it symbolized the shedding of an old skin and the beginning of an artistic journey that would be punctuated by both triumph and tragedy—for example, the deeply affecting loss of former second guitarist Chris Skinner, which catalyzed a touching memorial show and established the emotional depth that would soon define their work.

The Penske File’s sound is an artful blend that defies simple categorization. Evolving from their early ska-punk days, the band has honed a style that straddles energetic pop-punk, melodic folk-punk, and even elements of classic rock and country. 

Their music is a kaleidoscope of influences—drawing inspiration from punk stalwarts like Against Me!, The Menzingers, and The Flatliners, while also paying homage to iconic storytellers including Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. This unique fusion not only situates them within the broader punk-rock landscape but also gives their music a distinctly Canadian flavour. 

LISTEN TO THE PENSKE FILE'S HALF GLOW

Their latest album, Half Glow, serves as a sonic diary that explores themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet process of growing up amid a crumbling, often unpredictable world. 

Recorded at Drive Studios in Toronto, the album is the product of years of creative collaboration and perseverance through a litany of obstacles, including personal setbacks, burnout, and the global impact of the pandemic. The result is anthemic, introspective, and undeniably energetic—a true testament to their growth as musicians and individuals. 

One of the hallmarks of The Penske File is the raw energy they bring to every live performance. Their shows are more than just concerts—they are celebrations of life, a frenetic fusion of punk rock's unbridled spontaneity and the reflective intimacy of their crafted melodies. 

From festival stages spanning Vancouver to the intimate settings of DIY spaces, the band has consistently demonstrated why they’re revered as one of the most hardworking and passionate acts to emerge from the Canadian punk scene. Their touring history is a patchwork of memorable moments—be it opening for iconic acts like Bad Religion, The Menzingers, Streetlight Manifesto, and The Hold Steady, or playing that unforgettable, sweat-soaked performance at a pop-up gig in an unfiltered parking lot under the Las Vegas sun.

 Every show is a shared celebration between the band and the audience, an electrifying experience that transforms live music into communal catharsis.

 Now, with Half Glow marking a distinctive new chapter, The Penske File stand as both veterans of a hard-fought musical journey and as vibrant innovators ready to push creative boundaries further. Their evolution is evident—not only in the layered arrangements and introspective lyricism of their latest work but also in their conscious embrace of new sonic explorations. While the band continues to honour its punk rock roots, the integration of broader musical influences indicates a willingness to experiment and grow. From reflective songwriting sessions to the adrenaline-fueled rush of touring, The Penske File personify resilience and the enduring power of friendship. Whether their fans gather for a raucous festival set or a more intimate hometown show, every performance reaffirms that this is a band with both the wisdom of experience and the restless hunger for new expression.

The story of The Penske File is a captivating reminder of how shared history—a blend of childhood memories, loss, experimentation, and reinvention—can forge a sound that is both personal and universally resonant. If you’re intrigued by the way Canadian punk rock continually evolves with its cultural and musical influences, you might enjoy exploring how other emerging acts blend tradition with modernity in their own unique styles. Delving into the behind-the-scenes process of Half Glow, for instance, reveals not only the technical intricacies of recording but also the emotional tapestry that drives every chord and lyric. This kind of insight can open an even richer conversation about the role of music as both a creative outlet and a mirror to life’s multifaceted experiences.

Celebrating a decade since its groundbreaking debut, The Penske File’s album Burn into the Earth has not only defined a distinctive era in punk rock but has also ignited a fervent community of fans whose passion burns brighter with each passing year. Originally released in 2015, the record's raw energy, bold lyricism, and uncompromising authenticity have made it an enduring landmark in the alternative music scene. 

LISTEN TO THE PENSKE FILE'S BURN INTO THE EARTH

Marking its 10-year anniversary, a special celebration is set to take place in Hamilton on June 7, 2025, where an electrifying event promises to unite devoted fans and music enthusiasts alike with performances featuring notable acts such as Sessions, Banned Together, and Dog Cops. This milestone pays tribute to an album that not only challenged musical norms but also continues to inspire new generations, affirming its timeless impact and the lasting spirit of creative rebellion.

Catch The Penske File as they celebrate 10 years of their seminal album Burn Into The Earth June 7th at Vertagogo Hamilton. Click the poster below for tickets. 

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