BOUNCING SOULS - Simplicity (Rise Records www.riserecords.com)

Rich Quinlan - Bouncing Souls Fan

In the name of full disclosure, I have been a devoted Bouncing Souls fan since the "Green Ball Crew" EP and over two decades ago had the equivalent of a religious experience as I watched four hyperactive guys from New Jersey conclude a show in a small college town in Pennsylvania with a ska version of “Master of Puppets” and brought fans up on stage. I was among the many converted that night, and 23 years after being introduced to the Bouncing Souls, I am not only thrilled that they are still making new music, but making music that matters! Simplicity is a fitting title for both the band’s career and this record, as the Bouncing Souls write emotionally charged and melodic songs void of any ostentatious characteristics. From the opening jolt of “Drive All Night”, Simplicity allows Greg Attonito to embrace his finest talent-telling stories about love and getting older. “Digital Twilight” talks about “too many wires getting all crossed up”, which is not only a critique of today’s technology making things sound “too clean”, but also the state of society in general. Attonito and his longtime partners Pete Steinkopf and Bryan Kienlen, again joined by George Rebelo on drums, are much more than veteran punks pining about the current state of affairs as “I Wanna be Bored” takes listeners back to the band’s earliest years of mixing suburban alienation with catchy song structures, while “Hey Aliens” is a hilarious request for more intelligent life to save most of us from the mess in which we currently reside. As much as they boldly declare that their angst is still healthy, Simplicity also has its moments of maturity with “Writing on the Wall”, “Gravity”, and “Up to Us”, a trio of tracks with a perfect balance of soaring vocals, controlled weariness, and bold, emotional honesty. In some ways, Simplicity is a return to what makes the Bouncing Souls so great, but these traits have never left the band; on occasion, for a multitude of reasons, artists seem to lock in and work with perfect cohesion and that is what one hears throughout Simplicity. The Bouncing Souls have always embraced the pop side of punk and much of Simplicity leans more heavily toward that buoyant, light-hearted sound; therefore, this is not a furious explosion of testosterone and rage, but if wearing a heart on your sleeve is considered a badge of honor, embrace this for few can match the depth of spirit and impact of the Souls.

Paul Silver - Bouncing Souls Newbie

Our fearless editor may find this shocking, but I’ve never listened to the Bouncing Souls before reviewing this new LP from the venerable New Jersey band. They’ve been around in excess of twenty years and have released around a dozen full-length LPs and countless singles and EP. So this review comes from the perspective of fresh ears. And, I must say, I am an idiot. What have I been waiting for? From the first song to the last, this is really good pop punk. Yes, it’s very tight and slick, but what band that’s been playing this long isn’t? Descendents are, Bad Religion are. The legacy Fat Wreck Chords bands are. There’s nothing wrong with being good at playing music. But this review isn’t about those other bands it’s about Bouncing Souls. And this is really good stuff. The very first track, “Driving All Night,” grabbed me and never let go. It’s primarily in waltz time but veers into 5/4 time, too. The intricate time signatures and complex interplay between the guitars are belied by the simplicity of the melody and lyrics, making for a perfect combination, as I’m handed off to “Euphoria,” which takes hold next. It’s grasp remains firm, taking me along on its flight through soaring vocals and over the gang chorus of whoa-ohs. “Hey Aliens” is a silly track, lyrically, but melodically it’s another winner. Even the slower songs, like “Hero Zero” or “Satellite” are well done, with a raucous feel and plenty of energy. “Writing On The Wall” and “Up To Us” don’t sound like they came from an old band resting on its laurels – they both have a modern pop-punk sound similar to that of many of the younger bands playing today, with great gang vocals. So, thanks, Bouncing Souls; you’ve made a convert out of me. And thanks, Jim Testa, for sending this my way. My eyes (and ears) have been opened. - Paul Silver

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