To say that Bayside hasn't changed since the release of their self-titled sophomore record is an understatement.
In late October of 2005, the Long Island natives were involved in a very serious car accident coming back from a show in Colorado. The crash took the life of then drummer John "Beatz" Holohan, which many believed would end up causing the band to break up.
However, Bayside are far from over with their latest release "The Walking Wounded."
The original Bayside sound is similar to Alkaline Trio with a much heavier emphasis on the guitar, thanks to lead guitarist Jack O' Shea. "The Walking Wounded" takes the listener on a journey with a Bayside they may not be familiar with.
Lead vocalist Anthony Raneri recently became engaged to adult film star Kylee Kross, which seems to have made quite an impact on the album- this record is a far more hopeful and optimistic than Bayside's past releases.
Fans of older Bayside fear not, the opening track starts off with Jack O' Shea roaring on the guitar and Raneri spilling his guts through his lyrics. As an added bonus to this track, it features guest vocals from I Am The Avalanche and ex-Movielife singer Vinnie Caruana.
All of the standout tracks on this album come from the first six songs including the lead single "Duality," "I and I," and "Choke Hops and Bottled Self Esteem."
"I and I" represents the buoyancy found on this record.
"I spent years thinking I was alone/Now I know that I'm not/and I'm sharing that comfort with those who think that hope is lost," sings Raneri.
After "Choke Hops and Bottled Self Esteem," a song in which Raneri describes a turbulent relationship with a girl who spends too much time nipping the bottle, the album begins its descent. The problem is that the top of the release is far stronger than the bottom, and listeners might just decide to skip all the way back to the beginning.
Despite the weak second half, the album is an excellent addition to the collection for fans of Alkaline Trio or any other artists with strong guitars and poignant emotion.
