The Bouncing Souls

July 4 - July 11, 1 9 9 6
[Off the Record]

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*** The Bouncing Souls

MANIACAL LAUGHTER

(BYO)

The Bouncing Souls write memorable anthems about inane topics. Their previous efforts touched on '80s cult movies and the negative effects of coffee, but Maniacal Laughter showcases -- gulp -- a mature Bouncing Souls. Through augmenting their no-frills buzzsaw-guitar attacks with drunken leads and instrumental breaks, the band have improved the formula that made them darlings of the underground scene without compromising their commitment to playing two-fingers-in-the-air punk rock.

There may not be another "I Like Your Mom" on Maniacal Laughter, but we'll gladly settle for "The Freaks, Nerds, and Romantics." With its gorgeous guitar-arpeggiated intro and singsong choruses, it's like a Generation X ballad played with a steel fist. On the Ray Charles classic "Born To Lose," Greg's off-key croon coupled with beefy guitar imbues the desperation and urgency of the original with the Souls' own sloppy enthusiasm. Another downcast outlaw song, the Link Wray-flavored instrumental "Moon over Ashbury," captures the band's gentler, more sophisticated side.

-- Lorne Behrman