Monday May 6 was a day I had long looked forward to. The Bouncing Souls were playing at my favorite club, El Corazon. The Bouncing souls haven’t played in Seattle since 2012, so this concert was long overdue. The Souls also always have stellar supporting acts and this time was no exception. Said openers riled up this sold-out crowd and the stage diving never let up. I already had whiplash at least ten times before the Souls even took the stage. By the time the night was over I think that number doubled.
The Bouncing Souls may have been around for thirty years, but their energy hasn’t waned one iota. They came on stage and opened with Hopeless Romantic. Not only did the stage diving commence but everyone sang along. Singer Greg Attonito constantly moved about the stage, which only increased the stage diving. Just like Miss Mary Mack, he was all dressed in black, complete with a black bowler’s hat, which never budged an inch despite his flitting about non-stop.
Drummer George Rebelo is the only non-founding member, but one wouldn’t know this on face value. He knew the Soul’s songs and slammed away as if his arms were clockwork. Between his stocky build, his hair style and the wild way he slammed his kit, he reminded me of Wreck It Ralph. Bass player Bryan Kienlen was no slouch in strutting about the stage. He leaned into the audience, goading them into even more of a wild frenzy, dodging those who ran past him only to take a flying leap back into the audience.
Pete Steinkopf churned out such amazing power chords it was hard to believe the sounds were made by just one person. The Soul’s punky, poppy sound is matched by no one. They played all their hits except for the Gold Song. This may be a blessing though, because if they had played that song, my whiplash count would have shot up exponentially due to the increased stage diving.
Playing prior to the Souls was an LA hard-core five-piece called the Bronx. These guys were amazing! I’d seen them before opening for Bad Religion in 2013 and also as their counterpart Mariachi El Bronx when they opened for Flogging Molly that same year. This time they hit the stage with an explosion that must have rivaled the Big Bang. Vocalist Matt Caughthran (he doesn’t sing as much as he growls and screams) strutted and bounced about as if someone were jabbing him with a cattle prod. He expressed gratitude that this was the only show thus far on the tour that didn’t erect a barricade and invited the audience to mosh and stage dive. This they did with great succession and enthusiasm. This caused my first ten whiplash incidents as I had to constantly twist and duck to avoid being landed on. I was only half successful. The rest of the band, guitarists Joby J. Ford and Ken Horne, bass guitarist Brad Magers, and drummer Joey Castillo.
Playing prior to the Bronx was one of my favorites, Skinny Lister. I’ve seen these Brits now probably close to half a dozen times, but they never get boring. Singer Lorna Thomas, besides oozing unbridled charm, has powerful yet sweet vocals and when she’s not singing, she’s dancing about the stage non-stop. But I find that watching her, I miss something fun or crazy another band member does. Her brother Max Thomas played melodeon as well as provided harmony, but also goaded the audience, many of whom sang along to their songs. Skinny Lister plays a mostly Celtic music with punk overtones sprinkled in. This is not only a lively band, but versatile with some members playing more than one instrument. I used to think I was Skinny Lister’s biggest Seattle fan, but judging by the overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from the now filled club, I’m afraid I no longer bear that crown. Seattle loves Skinny Lister. The rest of Skinny Lister is, Dan Heptinstall – lead vocals, guitar, Thom Mills – drums, Sam “Mule” Brace – guitar, concertina, vocals, and Scott Milsom – double bass, Bass guitar and vocals.
Opening the entire night was another British outfit called Sharp Shock. This trio played hard-core power punk pop with high energy. The highlight of their performance was their rendition of the Buzzcocks’ Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve) and they did it fine justice. Sharp Shock consists of, Davey Warsop-Guitar/vocals Dan Smith – Bass/Vocals Chris Erickson Drums.
I hope it’s not another seven years before the Bouncing Souls return to Seattle. It seems every time I’m caught up in a mosh pit I leave feeling like I’ve just been in a three-car pile-up and I was in the middle. In the words of Obi Wan Kenobi, I’m getting too old for this. The mind is willing, I love the music, but getting jostled in the mosh pit gets hard on the body. Still, there is no place I’d rather be than against the stage for my favorite punk acts, so I guess it’s the cost I’ll bear. This was one fun night and though I’m physically still recovering, I am still basking in its glow.
All photos property of Holly Homan, all rights reserved.
Skinny Lister
Bouncing Souls
Sharp Shock
The Bronx
