Artist: Bayside
Album: Killing Time
Release: Feb. 22
Label: Wind-up Records
Grade: A
The punk rockers of Bayside are back with their signature mix of aggression and melodious musicality.
"Already Gone" provides an energetic, upbeat start to their fifth studio album, Killing Time. It begins with a musical introduction and an up-front jolt of emotion, percussion, and strong instrumentals that are prevalent throughout the rest of the album.
Bayside has returned with their consistent lyrical and musical persona, staying true to the sound they have become known for. Killing Time presents itself to be their most versatile and innovative album yet, taking elements from their preceding albums and evolving both instrumentally and lyrically. The album offers up a fair balance of musicality, providing upbeat as well as slower songs.
The metaphorical references throughout the album provide the poetic basis that articulates teen anguish in a mature way. This appeals to a variety of audiences, as shown in the song "Mona Lisa."
"You're the black ice on my road to wholesome," sings Anthony Raneri.
"Seeing Sound" sums up this lyrical message, reassuring that everyone has pent-up anger that they want to get out of their systems, and that it is not necessary to always be optimistic and realistic when life presents obstacles.
"On Love, On Life" is more melodic compared to the fast pace of the rest of the CD and reveals piano and string instruments layered over hopeful lyrics.
"When history fades we identify the problems, but they may not be problems after all," Raneri sings.
The album signs off with "Killing Time." This provides the perfect ending to the CD with lyrics that show the journey of life mirroring the ups and downs people face in their daily lives. It is guaranteed that no matter how many times you listen to this album, you won't get "Sick, Sick, Sick" of it, and will turn to it constantly for its repertoire of musicality and emotional escape.
E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com
