Bouncing Souls: Maniacal Laughter

BYO Records

I've never been a big fan of goof-punk. I mean, if you're so damn happy, why are you so damn pissed off? Nevertheless, Maniacal Laughter does have its moments. “No Rules” cleverly updates “California Uberalles,” predicting a “Vegan reich,” while “The BMX Song” sarcastically chants “Crossups, tabletops, endos!” and takes welcome shots at yuppie ‘bladers. And I don't know if anyone is keeping track of these things, but “Headlights…Ditch!” may be the fastest 2/4 hardcore jam in recorded history. Of course, there's an irreverent cover tune included: Johnny Cash's “Born to Lose” is (perhaps unintentionally) paired with the Ramones' “The KKK Took My Baby Away”—and it's actually good. Strange.

While there are some decent enough melodies here and there, and “All of This and Nothing” even comes off sounding sincere, Bouncing Souls take to criticizing punk conformity and trendiness while thoroughly immersing themselves in the genre's clichés. Plus the cover art implies that you're getting a Cramps rehash instead of a NOFX one.

—John Pecorelli

Alternative Press magazine