Bouncing Souls - Anchors Aweigh
by Alex Halls
published: 29 / 9 / 2003

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Format: CD
intro
Seventh full-length release from New Jersey punks, Bouncing Souls, which finds them reaching a new found maturity without losing their youthful liveliness
Bouncing Souls’ seventh full-length release, 'Anchors Aweigh', marks a triumphant return for the New Jersey punk band. Combining a newly found sense of maturity with that youthly creativity that they have always possessed, this release is the Bouncing Souls best yet. Greg Attonitoi (vocals), Pete Steinkept (guitar), Bryan Kienlen (bass) and Shal Khichi (drums) are the perfect combination, friends from High School who found that their youthful liveliness could be put to good use. 'Anchors Aweigh' holds a better selection of material than their previous album, 'How I Spent My Summer Vacation', giving the band a greater chance of more popularity. At the same time, whilst retaining a rough edge throughout the album, the Bouncing Souls have avoided the pitfall of turning themselves into a chart act and, therefore,retain an air of crediblility. 'Anchors Aweigh' contains a number of catchy tunes in familiar Bouncing Souls’ style: pleasant and upbeat. 'Sing Along Forever' exemplifies this; the lyrics are optimistic, and the guitars revel in the sound that they make. Remarkably, unlike many releases, Anchors Aweigh goes from strength to strength. It is no quick starter, but it accelerates as it progresses. The end track, 'I’m From There', is one of a number of ballad-like additions to the album, and is simply awe-inspiring. Attonitoi's low tuneful vocals, which are capped by powerful lyrics, help to round off the Bouncing Souls’ crowning achievement to date. The emotions remain, the songs sound complete, but the album is not perfect, so expect more to come from a band that are continuously learning.
Track Listing:-
1 Apartment 5F2 Kids and Heroes
3 New Day
4 Sing Along Forever
5 Born Free
6 Inside Out
7 Simple Man
8 Better Days
9 Night Train
10 Todd's Song
11 Blind Date
12 Highway Kings
13 Anchors Aweigh
14 I Get Lost
15 The Day I Turned My Back on You
16 I'm From there
interviews |
Interview (2005) |
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New Jersey punks the Bouncing Souls have recently celebrated a decade and a half in the music business. Alex Halls chats to guitarist Pete Steinkept about touring and their recent decision to shun MTV |
Interview (2003) |
live reviews |
Metropolitan University, Leeds, 5/3/2005 |
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At a support date in Leeds to the Dropkick Murphys. Helen Tipping watches the Bouncing Souls play their fast and furious brand of punk and a crowd-pleasing set to an appreciative audience |
Garage, London, 12/9/2004 |
reviews |
Gone (2001) |
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Melodic sounds and a voice that blends with extreme ease provide us with the Bouncing Souls' single release 'Gone'. Straying not from the genuine punk feel, 'Gone' encompasses a new softer line that n |
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