As the melodic and emotionally driven style of rock and roll known as "emo" continues to gain popularity in the indie-rock scene as well as the mainstream, many young bands with such a style are enjoying increased public exposure.
Among the most promising of these is Bayside, a talented, Long Island-based rock group whose first full length LP, "Sirens and Condolences," was recently released on Victory Records.
When asked to describe Bayside's musical style, guitarist and backup vocalist Jack O'Shea was unwilling to characterize his group into any specific genre.
"Bayside's sound has a bunch of influences, punk, emo...but I'd rather just call our style rock than put it into any one category," said O'Shea. His reluctance to categorize Bayside is understandable upon listening to "Sirens and Condolences," which not only incorporates elements of emo and pop punk but also definite traces of alternative rock and metal.
Bayside is set to play in Buffalo this Saturday at Xtreme Wheels Skate Park at 356 Hertel Ave.
"We play a real high-energy rock set," said O'Shea. "We have a lot of energy on stage and we really want to connect with our audience."
Bayside, formed in 2000, is a relatively young group that is quickly gaining recognition for their intricate melodic musical style as well as their poetic and heartfelt lyrics.
"I think our lyrics talk to a lot of people and help them through tough times and its great to know that's happening" said O'Shea.
Lyrics on songs like "Alcohol and Altar Boys" and "How To Fix Everything" openly discuss the pains of depression and failure in relationships. Those who can relate to such problems are sure to find comfort in empathizing with lead singer Anthony Ranieri's harmonious vocals.
"Masterpiece," tentatively set to be the album's first single, has a somewhat harder and more energetic edge than the rest of the album. While it may not completely live up to its ambitious title, "Masterpiece" provides an excellent introduction to Bayside's style for new listeners.
"I think that 'Masterpiece' is about someone who is self-destructive because he doesn't respect himself" said O'Shea, who does not write Bayside's lyrics but has often spoken on the subject with Andrew Elderbaum, the band's bassist, who does.
"It's basically a wakeup call to get over all of that stuff, move on and grow up," said O'Shea.
It seems unlikely that Bayside will not see dramatically increased public exposure as a result of the recent release of "Sirens and Condolences." Although the prospect of increased fame is definitely there for Bayside, the band takes a modest attitude toward their future.
"We're not hellbent on fame, we just want to be the best band we can be" said O'Shea. "We're pretty much just taking it as it comes, we all really love music and love what we're doing and that is most important to us."
Bayside, which was not named after the high school in Saved By The Bell, but Bayside, NY, the part of Queens in which Ranieri grew up. Their show Saturday at Xtreme Wheels will be the second stop on their tour of the East Coast and Canada. They also are scheduled to go to Chicago, where their label Victory Records is located, to shoot a video for "Masterpiece."
If nothing more than to be able to say, "I was down with that band before they were on MTV," it's advisable to come to Xtreme Wheels on Hertel Avenue Saturday night and experience Bayside in person.
