[4/5] Although they don't technically have a gold album, the Bouncing Souls do have almost 20 years in the game; and on The Gold Record, the band once again capture the heart and essence of punk rock with a set of sing-along anthems whose enthusiasm and sincerity simply can't be forced or faked. With this, the follow-up to 2003's Anchors Aweigh, the band pay homage to their home state with "So Jersey" and to the troops at war with "Letter From Iraq," throwing in a tasty pop-punk treat with their catchy cover of "Lean On Sheena" (originally by Avoid One Thing). It's apparent the Souls aren't-and nor are they even trying to be-teenagers anymore; but that's not a bad thing. Just because The Gold Record doesn't pack the teen angst of 1995's Maniacal Laughter, that doesn't mean a more "grown-up" sound is terrible news. Just don't expect "The Pizza Song" to sound anything like "The Toilet Song" from the Souls' self-titled album-the nine years since that song have done much to mature these guys. (EPITAPH) Kira Wisniewski
 Official Website: http://www.epitaph.com
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