Bayside – Shudder
Victory Records
(4/5)
Although the Alternative/Emo category of music doesn’t normally strongly appeal to me, I have to say that Bayside’s newest release Shudder is one of the few albums in the genre I’ve heard that I really like. The different styles presented in each of the 12 tracks on this album all give different reasons as to why there is a spark of hope within this style of music. It sounds funny come from a full blooded metalhead, I know, but it’s true. The tracks I find to be the best on this album have to be “What and What Not” (Track 4), “A Call to Arms” (Track 5), and “Moceanu” (Track 12). “What and What Not” has to be my favorite because of its overall feel and message. I believe the message within the lyrics can really speak to someone who has decided to solve their problems with physical self-affliction (particularly females in this category). I think that the message is one that should be heard to show that there is a better solution and hope for the future. “Moceanu” is another one of my favorites for its overall sound as well. It just has a nice “Folky” bouncing groove to it and I like how vocalist Anthony Raneri spells out some of the words in the song. It definitely gives another dimension to the lyrics. Overall, this is an excellent album and I recommend it to fans of Bayside, The Audition, and anyone who likes Alkaline Trio material around the Crimson time of their career.
