The Penske File Roar Back with New Single “Lions”

Hamilton-based punk rock trio The Penske File return with “Lions,” the first single from their upcoming album Reprieve, set for release on October 3rd, 2025 via Stomp Records. Fierce, hopeful, and charged with the energy of youth, the track is a call to keep life on track while celebrating the beauty in change.

Written by drummer and vocalist Alexander Standen on a quiet Sunday morning, the song captures a reflective moment turned anthem. “There’s a line near the end: ‘we were titans, we were thorns, now we wait for babies born.’ I wrote this before any of our friends had kids but I could feel it coming. Now, most of them – and some of us – do. It shows how much can change in a few short years and there’s a lot of beauty in that,” Standen explains.

From the very first note, “Lions” embraces the immediacy and urgency of punk rock. The band approached recording with a “first instinct wins” mentality, laying down the main parts live in a single room to capture the raw energy of a freshly written song. Longtime friend and producer Adam Michael, who engineered and produced the record, championed “Lions” as the ideal lead single. This approach mirrors the band’s signature live performances – a mix of nostalgia, camaraderie, and raw punk rock spirit – and allows the track to feel as alive on record as it does on stage.

While the song reflects on the inevitable changes that come with adulthood and the passage of time, there’s a celebratory optimism woven through each chant-worthy chorus and driving guitar riff. “We always paint a bit of a dark picture but show where the little bits of light shine through,” Standen notes. “That’s a common theme in most of our music – always trying to be the glass-half-full guys.”

The lyrical depth of “Lions” is matched by the intensity of its instrumentation. Thrashing drums, nimble bass lines, and jagged guitar riffs propel the track forward, underscoring the song’s themes of reflection and growth. The energy is both nostalgic and forward-looking, a tribute to youth and friendship, while simultaneously acknowledging that life moves on and new chapters emerge.

The Penske File’s upcoming album, Reprieve, promises to expand on this energy and range. The record is the band’s most ambitious effort to date, featuring a mix of stripped-down tracks and full-throttle punk rock bursts that highlight both their musical versatility and their continued commitment to authenticity. Recorded largely live in Hamilton to preserve the spontaneity of their performances, the album later received carefully applied overdubs that enhanced the sound without compromising the raw intensity at its core.

Standen’s writing, combined with the band’s live-recording approach, ensures that Reprieve maintains the camaraderie and electricity that have defined The Penske File’s shows for years. Every track is a reminder of the band’s dedication to honesty and connection, capturing moments of both youthful rebellion and reflective maturity.

“Lions” is more than a lead single; it is an invitation to listeners to celebrate life’s transformations while holding onto the energy and camaraderie that define friendship and youth. The Penske File have always excelled at merging personal insight with communal energy, and this track is no exception. Its reflective lyrics, infectious hooks, and driving rhythms position it as a standout addition to the punk landscape.

With Reprieve on the horizon, The Penske File continue to build on their legacy of spirited, honest punk music that resonates both on record and in live settings. “Lions” serves as a testament to their ability to navigate change with hope and vitality, providing a rallying cry for anyone navigating life’s unpredictable currents while holding onto the friendships, music, and memories that sustain them.

The Penske File’s Reprieve will be released October 3rd, 2025 via Stomp Records. “Lions” is available now.