Scalawag's sophomore release, Penny Arcade, finds the guitar-based quartet building solid rock songs with strong lyrical themes, melodies and vocal harmonies. The album maintains an up-beat, live feel while benefitting from a full complement of studio and tracking additions such as keyboards, harmonica, lap steel guitar, acoustic guitars and female vocals. At times thunderous and cosmic, Penny Arcade also grounds itself with accessible songs about going back home, American pop culture, and the one that got away.