The uber geeks

Bayside - The Walking Wounded review

Grade: A

It’s very well known that I have a huge man-crush on Bayside. Heck, I even named their superb Acoustic album as my favorite album of 2006. Their last two studio releases, in my book, are classics, especially their second, self-titled album. I had high expectations for the new Bayside album then, especially since I’ve heard some of their new stuff live, and it sounded killer.

Unsurprisingly, Bayside continues doing what they do best. Incredible musicianship, unique melodies, witty song-writing (’the healing power of alcohol only works on scrapes and aches / not on girls in seedy bars who drown themselves in it’), and soaring vocals blend to create a unique blend of music. Most bands today rely so heavily on just being painfully poetic and over-dramatic with their lyrics and then they ignore what has made good music good music for so long - talent.

There is no denying the talent here. Straight out the gate with the title-track, “The Walking Wounded.” you are hit with one of three or four guitar solos. Instantly, I was reminded why I love Bayside so much.

The uberly-awesome “They’re Not Horses, They’re Unicorns” features a head banging riff unlike any ever used by Bayside in the past. This will be the song of this album that people will instantly think is just awesome even without ever hearing anything else from Bayside.

Lyrically there is definite maturity here. It’s not straight gloom and doom like much of their previous work was. Even the title itself, so says lead singer Anthony Raneri, is a reference to keep fighting despite the fact that you can be a tortured soul. Many references are made to the music industry and the demand for bands to want to give in, which isn’t something that was touched on in previous albums. Bayside swear they haven’t lost integrity and judging by this album I’d have to heartily agree with them.

However, I wouldn’t be able to say that these are the best lyrics that Bayside have ever penned. They are not much of a decline and perhaps even on par, but I wouldn’t instantly feel impelled to classify them as better by any means. It’s a bit odd hearing an almost uncharacteristically cocky Bayside come right out and say that they are better than the garbage that is out there. But man, if they aren’t ever speaking the truth. It’s also odd to hear such a reliance on using repeats in lyrics to sound cool (’I can’t, can’t wait to see, see, see what depth and disgust have done to me’), (’Who let, who let this feeling die… Who let, you let this feeling die’). But, this is such a minor complaint it almost feels like I’m nitpicking.

The guitar work that weaves throughout the entire album is just a joy to listen to. If you ever get bored with singing along with the easy-to-sing-along-to lyrics, you could have a good time just listening to the guitar work. It’s something that is almost unheard of in similar artists today.

This album is a beyond worthy addition to the Bayside catalog. While not as awesome as their aforementioned self-titled album (which is going to be almost impossible to beat), there is no shame in calling yourself a proud Bayside fan.

It’s hard to imagine where Bayside would be right now if they weren’t underutilized on Victory Records. One can’t help but think that they are far too good for this label and it could be doing nothing but holding them back. Judging by the talent and skill that is exhibited on Bayside’s albums, it’s hard to believe they haven’t blown up in a big way yet.

Maybe this will be the album to break them out, especially after being named on of Associated Press’ Most Anticipated Albums of 2007. I’d be extremely glad to have them get the recognition and accolades they deserve and have the rest of the country find out what their rabid following of fans already know. Unfortunately, this should have happened two albums ago with Sirens and Condolences. But, if the time is now, at least it’s on an album that would make “Beatz” proud. If not, it’ll be an absolute shame to let one of the best young talents in music today fall on deaf ears.

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