Penetration - Moving Targets

Buoyed by the sheer magnificence of their "Don't Dictate" debut single, Penetration's debut album stands among the very last true greats of the first wave of British punk offerings. A glorious collision of adrenalized exuberance and astonishing energies, topped by Pauline Murray's unmistakably soaring vocals, Moving Targets wrapped 11 tracks across its two sides of vinyl, and it was the greatest indication of their quality that it wasn't till you reached the end that you realized "Don't Dictate" itself was absent. In its stead, "Stone Heroes," the explosive "Movement," and the swirlingly atmospheric "Vision" were all classics in the making, while a cover of Patti Smith's "Free Money" is simply spellbinding, crunchier than the original but more emotive, too. And then there's the opening bars of the title track, a hilarious reminder of how fast things were changing back then -- it's the Pistols' "Holidays in the Sun," and doesn't it sound old-fashioned! All of which illustrates the sheer versatility bound up in the band. In another lifetime, they could have given the likes of Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple a run for their money, at least in terms of demonstrating dexterity, and it was Penetration's bad luck that they were riding a wave that had little time for such abilities. Not that they allowed the disappointment to show. Moving Targets shrugs aside most of punk's archetypes as it rockets along, while the decision to cover the Buzzcocks' "Nostalgia" reminds listeners that Penetration weren't the only band around that didn't give a toss for fashionable accessories. Of course, that determination would lead to the disappointment of the band's second album -- and, thereafter, their demise. As of mid-1978, however, Moving Targets could only herald a dazzling future.

Released in late 1978, Penetration’s debut album Moving Targets stands as a definitive, yet frequently overlooked, masterpiece of the first-wave British punk era. Fronted by Pauline Murray, whose powerful, soaring vocals offered a gripping alternative to the typical snarl of her peers, the band carved out a distinct sonic identity. The album masterfully bridges the raw, urgent energy of traditional punk rock with a sophisticated, melodic sensibility that anticipated the post-punk movement. Driven by intricate, metallic guitar work and a driving rhythm section, the record showcased a band capable of both intense aggression and structural complexity.

The tracklist strikes a brilliant balance between immediate, high-octane anthems and atmospheric experimentation. Standout original tracks like "Movement" and "Vision" demonstrate the band's ability to craft sharp, hook-laden rock without sacrificing their underground edge. Meanwhile, their blistering, spellbinding cover of Patti Smith’s "Free Money" honors their artistic influences while entirely reclaiming the song with a fierce, clinical precision. This sonic versatility proved that punk could expand its musical vocabulary without losing its foundational rebellion or emotional weight.

Critical reception has remained exceptionally high, with modern retrospectives cementing the album’s legacy as a five-star triumph. Reviewers consistently praise Moving Targets for its freshness, intelligence, and outright refusal to be pigeonholed by the rigid stylistic boundaries of late-70s rock. Rather than leaning on shock value or political slogans, Penetration focused on tight musicianship and existential lyricism. This artistic maturity earned them widespread respect from contemporary critics and allowed the album to age far better than many of its louder peers.

Decades after its initial release, the record retains its incredibly sharp edge and remains a vital document of musical transition. Recent expanded editions have further solidified its status, bundling the original LP with essential early singles like "Don't Dictate" alongside rare, explosive live sessions. Moving Targets stands alongside the finest work of its era, serving as a brilliant testament to the diverse, creative directions born out of the initial punk explosion.

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Penetration; Moving Targets (Expanded)

1.      Future Daze

2.      Life’s A Gamble

3.      Lovers Of Outrage

4.      Vision

5.      Silent Community

6.      Stone Heroes

7.      Movement

8.      Too Many Friends

9.      Reunion

10.   Nostalgia

11.   Freemoney

12.   Don’t Dictate

13.   Money Talks

14.   Firing Squad

15.   Never

16.   V.I.P.