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title: Bouncing Souls created: 2026-04-07 updated: 2026-04-07 type: band tags: [band, era-1990s, era-2000s, era-2010s, era-2020s] sources: [raw/articles/new-brunswick-scene-history.md]

Bouncing Souls

New Brunswick, New Jersey. Formed 1987 by Greg Attonito (vocals), Pete Steinkopf (guitar), Bryan Kienlen (bass), and Shal Khichi (drums, later replaced by Michael McDermott). One of the most beloved punk bands on the East Coast. Pogo punk — energetic, melodic, and relentlessly fun.

Key Releases

  • The Good, the Bad, and the Argyle (1994, Chunksaah) — Self-released debut. Raw, catchy.
  • Maniacal Laughter (1996, Chunksaah) — Breakthrough. “Kate Is Great,” “The Freaks, Nerds, and Romantics.”
  • Self-Titled (1997, Epitaph) — Major label moment. Still punk.
  • Hopeless Romantic (1999, Epitaph) — Biggest commercial moment. “Hopeless Romantic.”
  • How I Spent My Summer Vacation (2001, Epitaph) — Fan favorite. “True Believers,” “Gone.”
  • Anchors Aweigh (2003), The Gold Record (2006) — Continued Epitaph run.
  • Comet (2012), Simplicity (2016), Volume 2 (2023) — Later career.

Chunksaah Records

The Bouncing Souls founded Chunksaah Records — their own label, releasing their own records and material by other NJ punk bands. The label embodies the New Brunswick DIY spirit.

The New Brunswick Scene

Bouncing Souls are the New Brunswick scene’s most visible band. They got their start playing illegal basement house parties — a tradition that continues in New Brunswick to this day. The band’s connection to the local scene has never wavered, even after signing to Epitaph.