Bouncing Souls - Bouncing Souls Live

True believers of the Bouncing Souls have a new reason to raise their rock fists. The Jersey punks have released a live album that celebrates the 17 years they have spent kicking audiences in the teeth with high voltage stage shows. This double disc album is a must-have for hardcore fans, and it serves as a perfect introduction for new listeners who want to know what the Souls are about. It’s impossible to bottle all the energy of a Bouncing Souls show onto two discs, but the explosive set list makes listeners feel as if they are in the front row. From the opening track to the encore, it’s a handful of power chords, a thundering herd of drums and cloud of dust. The Souls charge hard through 29 sing-a-long classics like “Manthem,” “Lamar Vannoy,” "I Like Your Mom" and “Hopeless Romantic.” The crowd participation during “Gone” is particularly infectious, and lead singer Greg Attonito works them into an even bigger frenzy on “East Coast! Fuck You!” -- a song that has quickly become an anthem of the East side. Another highlight is a blistering version of “Punks in Vegas” that is a fitting toast to good times and good friends. Listen with care though – this record is infinitely better when the volume is cranked and the keg is flowing. In the unapologetic spirit of punk rock music, playing this album on full blast is well worth the risk of pissing off your neighbors and scaring the hell out of your best friend’s mother. Maybe not the best punk record of the year but probably in the top five. Oi!!! [www.bouncingsouls.com]