Much of Pennywise [ tickets ]'s "The Fuse" rushes past in a blur, its 15 tracks a heady mix of punk, polemics and politics. But overall, despite the vitriol and bombast, "The Fuse" is too narrow, too similar sounding, even for Pennywise.

At least this sameness makes the more melodic tracks stand out like diamonds in the gruff. "Competition Song," "Stand Up" and "Fox TV" encapsulate what great Cali punk is all about: a rush of drums, shredding guitars and totally topical lyrics. Jello Biafra would be proud.

Throughout the effort, the stacked rhythm section of guitarist Fletcher Dragge, drummer Byron McMackin, and bassist Randy Bradbury is tight, fast and, unfortunately, rather repetitive.

Meanwhile, Jim Landburg's lyrics make James Hetfield look like Robert Frost. Sample lyric: "Polarized lies of the fascist sleaze / Lining up the shadowed gaze." Huh?

From its lyrics to its rhythms, "The Fuse" just melds together. As if by design, each track pummels relentlessly into the next with few hooks to hold onto. Too bad, since each song on its own might make for quality punk. Taken all together, though, "The Fuse" is just a senseless mosh pit.