Penetration were formed in Ferryhill, County Durham in 1976 at the very beginning of the punk rock phenomenon. An exciting live prospect, respected by peers and dedicated fans, the group signed to Virgin Records in 1977 and released their first single, the punk classic ‘Don’t Dictate’, that autumn. Their debut album, ‘Moving Targets’, was released in 1978 to critical acclaim and commercial success (reaching no. 22 in the UK album chart) and showcased a confident outfit that had already expanded its musical and creative vision. Their bass, drums and twin guitar line-up became a distinctive feature of the band’s sound, while singer Pauline Murray’s fearless yet vulnerable vocals fitted perfectly with their anthemic and often complex song arrangements.
They toured constantly and after a lengthy US trek in the early summer of 1979 returned to make their second album, ‘Coming Up For Air’. Produced by Steve Lillywhite, the sessions were rushed and caused tension in the ranks, but even so produced excellent songs such as ‘Come Into The Open’ (released as a single) and ‘Shout Above The Noise’ that ensured a healthy Top 40 chart placing for the finished record. However, a combination of stress and pressure from both label and management proved telling factors when Murray announced onstage at Newcastle City Hall that Penetration were splitting up upon completion of their autumn UK tour.
Murray and bass player Robert Blamire continued to write together and teamed up with another white-hot producer, Martin Hannett (Joy Division, Magazine) to record the proto dream pop single ‘Dream Sequence’ with The Invisible Girls. Released in August 1980, it was swiftly followed by the Top 30 album ‘Pauline Murray And The Invisible Girls’ (reissued to rave notices by Factory Benelux in 2014) and a tour with John Cooper Clarke. That same year, Murray also provided guest vocals on the swan song album release by The Only Ones, ‘Baby’s Got A Gun’ (including the single ‘Fools’), while Blamire began an association with the highly rated Scars that resulted in him producing their acclaimed ‘Author Author!’ album.
In 2002, Murray was persuaded to reform Penetration. Of its original members, only Murray, Blamire and drummer Gary Smallman remained, with guitarists Steve Wallace and Paul Harvey (who appeared on the ‘Storm Clouds’ album) augmenting the line-up. Over the ensuing years they have played numerous live shows, including regular appearances at the UK’s Rebellion punk music festival. They have also released two 7” singles (both on the Damaged Goods label), in 2015, following a crowd funding campaign, Penetration released their first album in 36 years, Resolution, augmented by Former Buzzcock John Mayer on drums and mixed by original guitarist Fred Purser.
Further line up changes have ensued over the following years, as Penetration have continued to play high profile shows and festivals, including Bearded Theory and Rebellion, and 2024 saw them tour the UK playing debut album Moving Targets in full. In 2023 Pauline published her autobiography Life’s A Gamble to critical acclaim.
