Bayside

Sirens and Condolences (Victory)
by Lauren Bussard

I think it’s funny when a band cite their “influences,” and then I listen to the album and it turns out that they were “influenced” so much that they sound just like their so-called influencer. That’s what seems to’ve happened here.

Bayside‘s new album, Sirens and Condolences, is absolutely awesome. It’s morbid, melodic rock that’s catchy and intense, with rough guitar solos, gentle, brooding vocals and lyrics that are masochistic and often murderous. Case in point: “There’s a voice in my head telling me why I should hate you/but I hate myself instead” they sing on “Alcohol and Alter Boys.” And what does all this remind you of? Alkaline Trio? Yep, that’s what I thought, too. And lucky enough, Bayside’s vocalist, Anthony Raneri, sounds exactly like Matt Skiba! What a fabulous coincidence!
Ok, ok, I’m done making fun. Like I said before, I think Bayside have put out an incredible record, and it’s already got a permanent spot in my CD changer. But I think they could sell Sirens and Condolences to Alkaline Trio to use as their next record and nobody would be the wiser.
(346 North Justine St. #504 Chicago, IL 60607)