Bayside have truly outdone themselves with their latest Self-titled Victory Records release. They will catapult themselves into touring this fall with an extremely solid album as their fuel.
This Self-titled album sets Bayside far beyond any competition, partially because they've crafted an album that has no competition. One of my personal favorite bands is Alkaline Trio, and I say this because I haven't heard lyrics this well written, or this chilling in this genre since albums like Maybe I'll Catch Fire or Goddamnit.
Lyrically, Bayside has gone full steam ahead with metaphors and one liners that will have fans tattooing these sayings on their forearms. Just about every song on this Self-titled album has a quotable line. The lyrics are extremely detailed, read like a novel and sound so genuine. On "Tortures of the Damned," vocalist / guitarist Anthony Raneri sings, "I'm burned out at 22. I've lived too fast, I've loved too much and I'll die too young, but I chose this cup I drank from." On "Blame it on Bad Luck" Raneri sings, "But now I realize I'd give anything I have to walk a day in those old shoes. Wondering what my first smoke would be like, my first fuck, my next fuck up."
Raneri's vocals are commanding, obviously emotional and extremely honest. His pitch changes and croons add to the movie-like feeling this album presents the listener with. On "Devotion and Desire," Raneri's vocals don't necessarily parallel the melodies and seem a tad off track, but this just seems to make the song even better.
Musically, everything about this Self-titled record is extremely tight and even a bit artsy. "Montauk" is an aggressive and upbeat track with more of an actual punk feeling to it. "We'll Be Okay" has a chugging melody with intricate guitar bridges and fills, while "Half a Life" has guitar licks that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up they are so good.
Even the mellow, acoustic track "Don't Call Me Peanut" is a full sounding song, probably because it's simply raw and emotional.
It's quite obvious that there's no sophomore slump with Bayside on this record. I give the album a 10 (out of 10) It's one of the best releases of this late summer season.
Suggested Listening: "Devotion and Desire," "Blame it on Bad Luck," "Half a Life" and "Montauk"
By: Adam K. Zakroczymski III - Senior Editor / Founder
