Search - Bayside :: Shudder

4 1/2 Stars for the 4th Album

T.A.S. | The 951 | 10/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let me begin by saying I had high hopes and expectations for this album. You know how a movie is so hyped up and when you go see it, the movie becomes a disappointment because you expected so much? That's what I was afraid would happen with Bayside's 4th Album, Shudder. But far from it. The album starts off strong with the first track "Boy". It satisfies your need for energy, and the great progression of this band. I do admit, though the vocals of Anthony Raneri mimicking Josh Caterer at times seems silly. Maybe it is a tribute. But Raneri needs not to mimic any style since his voice is so unique and works so well.



The next track, "The Ghost of St. Valentine" really gets the album going in full tempo. You can sense a little of Alkaline Trio's influence in this song which works well. As many Bayside fans know, they finished their year supporting Alkaline Trio on their tour. "No One Understands" is the "single" of the album and is a great arrangement. It shows the maturity of this band and how they've evolved as a premier group of musical talent and originality.



Another track to highlight is "I Can't Go On". What an amazing song. Although the song's message is depressing, it does the opposite as far as track value. Bayside has such a unique sound that tracks like these really show how versatile they can be. The solo on "Have Fun Storming the Castle" is short but far beyond sweet. Mixing the highs and the lows with the intro arrangement works brilliantly. Jack O'Shea is one of the elite and not only can he just play lead well...he adds character to every solo and riff. Bayside's guitars are very strong and present and O'Shea's talent of adding technicallity with character to his solos is one of a kind. "Rochambo" is sick. No other way to explain it. If Bayside wanted to be a Pure Punk band, they could pull it off and they prove it with this amazing song. "I think I'll Be OK" perfectly sets up the final track by settling the album down with a brilliant song. It's like sipping on chamomile tea before you go to bed after a having a great day.



Overall, the album satisfies the cult following of Bayside. Arguably the best album yet. Yes, arguably."

A Solid Effort

i2hymnocerous | Pennsylvania | 10/08/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With the release of Shudder by New York band Bayside, we get a new taste of the band. Going into the studio, the band intended a more punk sound on this album as opposed to their previous works. While it is not The Clash, The Ramones, or The Dead Kennedys, it does fall into what the music world today defines as punk rock.



Let me start with the bad, which is greatly outweighed by the good. Upon listening to the first track "Boy", we get a song that really gets you moving. The flaw we see here comes from vocalist Anthony Raneri. At one point in the song (2:45), we hear his voice take on what I heard described as a Josh Caterer impression (Caterer vocalist of Bayside influence Smoking Popes). This occurs during the album and does not please. It is hard to find an adjective that correctly fits here because the experimentation element is credible. However, the failure of it raises question.



Another aspect of the album is how it truly falls off at times. It should be noted that the tempo is usually picked up within a track or two. Take a song like Howard for example. With most other bands, I feel that song would be nothing more than a b-side. There are parts of it, like many Bayside songs, that we can take out and praise. Nonetheless, songs that only possess partially good elements should not make the final cut on a band's fourth full length studio effort. However, I feel it is more a slap on the wrist of producer David Schiffman than the band.



Now to the positive elements. Let's start with the music. Whether it is the guitar work, smooth bass lines, or the uptempo drumming, we see it all flow together positively. Jack O'Shea continues to grow on each Bayside album and has put himself in a new class of guitarists. His solos are complex and fast, something we don't see with many Bayside contemporaries. The bass lines seem to flow well with the mood of the songs as well. They help fill out the bottom quite well, not overpowering at all. Nick Ghanbarian truly shows his understanding of the bass. Chris Guiglielmo also deserves credit for sufficiently taking over for the late John "Beatz" Holohan. The drumming seems energetic, especially standing out on a song like "A Call to Arms".



To help bring all the songs together is Raneri's lyrics. Not only does he call himself out, but provides a social commentary. Questioning of those who watch MTV for their individuality always makes a song interesting. The one element I feel that should be pointed out is how Raneri does not shy away from big words and themes. Andrew Elderbaum did this as well (previous lyricist before his 2004 departure). "I am a slave to this, I am a masochist" will surely have some listeners searching for the meaning. However, it is reassuring to know that Raneri will reach out to great lengths to avoid the melodramatic lyrics of contemporary bands. Much like he did on 'The Walking Wounded' with songs like "I & I".



Overall, this album was a strong, solid effort by a season band. It can be argued as their best work; that all depends on what you have come to expect out of this band. If you are looking for their dark lyrics and themes of their first album 'Sirens & Condolences', move along. However, if you have fell in love with Bayside through more recent works, you will appreciate this album much more. Much of the faults can be attributed to the producer instead of the band, which is great for fans to hear. We are now reassured that solid work such as this is genuine and not a product of corporations. We are experiencing music from four real and talented musicians."

Mmm Bayside

Matthew G. Warnstedt | Tucson, Az | 10/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a fan of all of Baysides CDs so far. They manage to always have their same sound and lyrical style but each song is different and just as good as the last. They don't just sing about relationships and all that "emo" jazz so many out there are against. Their albums are about life and the many twists and turns and stabs in the back that it gives you.



This album is just as hard, aggressive and in your face as The Walking Wounded, Sirens and Condolences, and their self-titled album. Stand out tracks are Boy, No One Understands, A Call To Arms, I'll Be Ok, and my personal favorite from most likely any Bayside album, Moceanu.



It's witty, slightly angry, and very relateable. Deffinately worth the buy."