Live Review - Bouncing Souls at Crazy Donkey

In an early show right before Long Island douchbags could pack the Crazy Donkey and fist pump to poor prefabricated beats and chug down cheep lager, New Jersey's finest The Bouncing Souls filled out the some times rock joint, sometimes dance club on a steamy summer evening and turned it into an all out free for all. Arriving on stage to Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run," a Souls opening theme staple, the power-punkers jumped right into "The Gold Song," off their 2006 release The Gold Record. Yet, right away it was obvious why the Souls are so good at what they do and why they love doing it, the simple answer lies right in the bands fan appreciation. The fans were chanting the words to each song the Souls thrashed through and sometimes to the point of over powering singer Greg Antonito, that he would stand on stage with a smile from ear to ear and let the crowd become the front man. After going through a slew of new tracks, the band went into their greatest hits, songs like "Johnny X," "East Coast! Fuck You!," and "True Believers," took the show to new heights and the crowd reciprocated the feeling. This was the second to last show for the punk vets, winding down a small tour with The Loved Ones, I Am The Avalanche and Static Radio. The Loved Ones were the stand out opener, this should come to no surprise to any fan (like myself). The Loved Ones were a perfect compliment to go right on before the punk legends took their places. A fast, furious and fun show and sometimes nostalgic, the crowd were dressed as if they were coming right from the Bowery or Asbury Park into the small Long Island venue. I hadn't seen so many Mohawks, checkered belts and greased hair since the days of The Vanderbilt during the late 90's Ska scene. It was great to reminisce and enjoy.