Letting true passion for music guide you

New Jersey has certainly produced some great punk rock bands. Coming from New Brunswick, New Jersey, The Bouncing Souls are certainly one of the more instrumental of the bunch. The band’s dancier brand of punk rock certainly stuck out from many of their New Jersey peers. Not only is the band’s music inspiring, but their longevity is baffling.

The band has kept its original members (aside from their drummer) since the band formed in 1989. Band turnover for groups this large is usually much bigger. What is even more amazing is how the band has never gone on a prolonged hiatus. Instead, the group has been busy releasing full-length studio albums as well as several EPs throughout the band’s entire existence. From 1994 through 2016, the band has released 10 studio albums, and from 1991 to present day, the band has released 15 EPs with Crucial Moments being the most recent. (That’s not even counting the live albums, compilation or split EPs).

Crucial Moments appears to be an EP celebrating the bands 30th anniversary and looking back on the fond memories the band has gone through. The opening title track lyrics hints to the significance of the EP.

“We came together to honor an old friend
lets talk about music, good times, and those moments in between
it felt like they didn’t matter, they’d go on forever
played on repeat, we shared a heartbeat
lets have one more, one more crucial moment”

Here we can see the band looking back, almost in retrospect. Even so, they continue on their career for the love of their music, lifestyle, and most importantly, for the love of each other.

The next track “1989” is a call back to when the band first formed in 1989. The short 1:33 track is a fast-paced banger. Knowing the history of the band makes the lyrics surprisingly meaningful and inspiring.

“Believers. Achievers. Day Dreamers.
Looking for something
Defiers. Outliers. Failure deniers.
‘Till we break through
Moved to town to make the scene
Got no talent, just a dream
Thick skin. Found kin. Born again.
In a world we chose
Love you. stay true. with you.
Make our own rules
Ups and downs seemed so real
Stick together, that’s the deal
Gotta make something, make it true
All together with all of you”

Judging by the lyrics here, it is easy to see how loyalty is of significant importance to the band. It would have to be to keep all the original members for 30+ years. “Here’s To Us” has more heart touching lyrics about the group’s intense and true passion for music that brings people together. The climax of this song is truly beautiful. Passionate lyrics overlap with a furious yet sentimental punk instrumental for a dramatic tear-jerking cyclone of emotions.

Overall, even though the EP is only six tracks and 14 minutes in total, the music speaks for itself. This EP is genuine, heartfelt and ultimately nostalgic. Even 30 years into the band’s storied career, The Bouncing Souls embody the spirit of DIY and punk ethos.