Live EPs are usually recorded with diehard fans, not casual listeners, in mind. Such is the case with Tie One On: Live, which was recorded at the Continental (a club in New York's East Greenwich Village) in 1998. Although not essential, this EP captures the reckless enthusiasm and sense of fun that has characterized the Bouncing Souls. The spirited punk band is in good form on songs from
The Bouncing Souls on Epitaph (including "Kate Is Great," "Say Anything" and "Chunksong") as well as a few pre-Epitaph favorites from 1996's
Maniacal Laughter on Better Youth (most notably, "Argyle" and "Born to Lose"). On the catchy "East Coast! Fuck You," the New Jersey natives loudly proclaim their allegiance to the East Coast, but their influences aren't strictly East Coast. Rather, the Souls' appealing sound combines the influence of early British punk bands like
the Sex Pistols and
the Clash with elements of early-'80s California bands like
the Circle Jerks and
Black Flag. Those who enjoyed the Souls' studio albums will find Tie One On: Live to be a fun and exhilarating listen. ~ Alex Henderson