Artist: Bayside
Album: Bayside
Label: Victory Records
Tracks: 11
Length: 40:52
Review By: Christopher Thomas!

When The Empire Strikes Back was released in theaters in 1980, fans of the original Star Wars movie had high expectations.  They expected to see amazing special effects, unimaginable alien life, and epic battles between good and evil.  When audiences left the theater after viewing the sequel for the first time, they weren’t quite sure what to think.  The special effects were there, the alien life – while less visible in this installment – was in place, and the good vs. evil struggles were incredible.  But something was different.  The tone was darker.  The bad guys didn’t lose.  The main character was maimed.  Some fans came to consider Empire an improvement on the original film while others thought it was a lacking disappointment. 

And so it is with Bayside’s sophomore album.  Many enjoyed the band’s first album, 2003’s Sirens and Condolences with its melancholy lyrics, excellent guitar work, unique vocal melodies (courtesy of Anthony Raneri), and singable choruses.  Part Alkaline Trio, part Smoking Popes, part The Smiths, and all rock, Bayside set a high standard for themselves with their collection of frown-filled pop punk.  Fans were expecting quite a bit from the band’s sophomore effort.

On first listen, Bayside’s self-titled album may leave listeners unsure.  The rock is there.  The melancholy is there.  Raneri’s vocals are definitely there.  The guitar work is even more impressive.  But something is different.  Where did these slow songs come from?  Why is there a track with only vocals, acoustic guitar, and piano?  And did we hear some positive, uplifting lyrics mixed in with the depression and accusation?

It’s true, this Bayside is different.  Member changes, new producers, and two years of growth can do that to a band.  And the effects of that growth are impressive.  The band have somehow found the ability to take the sound from their first record to a more mature level.  The songwriting is stronger, the choruses even more memorable.  This band is a better version of itself.  Each song is a gem, fully realized and perfectly executed.

And a hearty bravo to the band for not succumbing to any of the current musical gimmicks.  No whiny screams in the background.  No faux-metal break downs.  The opportunities are there, but the band passes them by without so much as a dignifying glance.  Bonus points for the well-placed crowd vocals and increased lyrical imagery, as well.  Raneri’s vocals can make anything sound sincere and moving.  Lines like “If I had a gun and shot it at your face, would you promise not to get out of the way?” have a high potential for seeming contrived and cheesy.  But on Raneri’s lips, they are charged with emotion and significance. 

The only setback to this album is that the vocal production is a little off.  Many times, a careful listen will reveal clipped, distorted vocals.  But to a causal listener, this issue may be trivial.

Bayside is an excellent sequel to its predecessor.