Rating: 4.5/5
Bayside’s latest album Killing Time is something I recently purchased. I had been thinking about how I liked Bayside and everything I heard by them, but yet I did not have any of their music (unless you count one song on the 2007 Warped Tour compilation album). When I heard in AP Magazine that Bayside had a new album coming out, I made up my mind that I would finally buy one of their CDs. It was January when I heard of this album that was to be released in February. Before I knew it February had come and past and I still didn’t have any Bayside. Finally One day in late April I got in my car and headed over to the nearest Slacker’s CDs and Games and picked up a copy of Killing Time; the wait was well worth it.
Killing Time starts energetically with fast hitting drums and a catchy guitar lick on the song “All Ready Gone”. Anthony Raneri sets the tone for the rest of the album aggressively singing “You, you never call, you never write me or nothing at all!” the song goes on in the same manner seeming to rub it in the face of an ex-lover that their relationship is over. This song is all high energy and smugness complimented by hard hitting beats and choppy guitar lines. This song sets the pace for the album and builds up the excitement for the listener. Much of the album continues on in this fashion, but not in a way where every song sound the same. The album carries the energy of punk pop with a hint of emo-like darkness. Eventually they slow things down a bit with the acoustic and piano laced “On Love, On Life”. The melody is light and sways as Raneri sings and reflects on the mistakes of a past relationship. As it gets to the chorus they add in a simple and lovely two-part harmony. Musically, this album has all the right ups and downs.
I also believe this record deserves a listen just for its creative and witty lyrics. You just can’t beat lines like “I wish upon a satellite that wrong can turn to right…” from “It’s Not A Bad Little War”, or “So what do you want from me? Another song about apathy? Heartbreak is a friend these days, but I could care less, that’s what I get paid to say…” from “Seeing Sound”. Each song has its own bit of humor, bite, and insight such as: “But it’s the ride, it’s not the point you end up at…” from the final and namesake song “Killing Time”. This album is filled with lyrical goodness and that is one of my favorite features.
The one and only downside that I could find with this album was that some of the melodies were a bit complicated and could come off a bit awkward at first listen, but trust me by the second time it’s hard to resist the urge to sing along.
This album had everything I could have ever expected or asked for. It was a great introduction for great band in my opinion. Bayside’s Killing Time not only deserves an honest listen, but a (legal) download or an in-store purchase (that’s how the cool kids do it). I know I will definitely be adding Killing Time to my “Great Albums” playlist.
Are there any albums that have left you pleasantly surprised? Is there an album you’ve heard about or are not sure about buying that you would like me to review?
hello there! :)
ReplyDeletedo you know that there is a social networking community which is also called Netter Land ?
What a coincidence! :P