Albums by this artist

Hopeless Romantic (1997)

Bouncing Souls

Hopeless Romantic

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» DAVID THOMAS | STAFF WRITER

Bouncing Souls Hopeless Romantic Epitaph, 1997 RiYL: Rancid, Pietasters, Dropkick Murphys

The Bouncing Souls played songs from Hopeless Romantic in their stage show nearly a year before its release. Live tests of the material definitely paid off since it is the band's finest work. Singer Greg Attonito's unique high-pitched whine is clear and high in the mix, unlike on the band's past two full-length CDs, and it finally gives the singer the ability to stretch his vocal muscle.

While the group has always relied on the driving bass of Bryan Kienlen for the meat of their songs, guitarist Pete Steinkopf has added layers of retro guitars to the upbeat punk songs. "'87" is the best example of Steinkopf's improved work. With the rhythm section entrenched in a straight ahead groove, the guitars poor out a refreshingly hip reverb slightly similar to The Jam or The Who. It's a perfect backdrop for the call and response lyrics of Attonito.

The band's strongest songwriting comes on the first half of the record. "Kid," "Fight to Live" and the title track are well penned and are the Souls' true form. While on their first record for Epitaph the songwriting seemed forced, here the band sounds like they've been playing the songs for years. "Fight to Live" starts with a soccer style chant backed by Shal Khici's drums. But it's when the song breaks down and truly begins with Attonito's vocals that it takes off. "I've never been the same since that first show, I close my eyes and let myself go. To a place I'm never alone or scared, Somehow I had a reason to care."

And if the slick production, well-written songs and vocals weren't enough of a surprise, the Souls pull another with a guest vocalist on "Wish Me Well (You Can Go To hell)" a break-up song with a sense of humor. A friend of the band's gives the female half of the track a lot of style for someone who isn't a professional (or punk) singer, and it makes the band's first duet quite memorable.

The Bouncing Souls have been around a long time, but are just hitting their stride with Hopeless Romantic. While not as harsh as their first works (and some consider the band's best) the record gives the band some credibility past the confines of the punk rock world as real songwriters and talented musicians, something not often heralded among punk bands or cherished by their fans.

DAVID THOMAS |