Just when emo and post hardcore threatens to sweep kids off of their feet and away from punk, and anchor has been thrown to keep them from straying too far. Punk veterans The Bouncing Souls are back with their seventh full-length album, Anchors Aweigh.

The New Jersey quartet, who tosses off the anchor of a bad relationship on this new album, has produced yet another disc of fun punk music. Where emo wallows in the misery of relationships lost, the Souls find hope.

As usual, The Bouncing Souls play fast, fun punk music that is much more California sun and surf than NYHC. Bryan Kienlan's throbbing bass and Pete Stienkopf's charging guitar keep a fast pace that both Michael McDermott (drums) and Greg Attonito (vocals) charge after. Attonito manages to throw some actually crooning and out and out melodic lines amid the typical light punk yells.

The Bouncing Souls are honest and open with their feelings, laying them out among the 16 anthems that fill the disc. From the catchy first single "Kids And Heroes" to the speedy "Better Days" and Offspring-ish "Blind Date", Anchors Away (like many Epitaph Records releases) is simply a great album to skate, drive or relax to.