published: 29 /
9 /
2003
Label:
Select Label
Format: CD
Seventh full-length release from New Jersey punks, Bouncing Souls, which finds them reaching a new found maturity without losing their youthful liveliness
Review
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 5F
2
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