Bayside - The Walking Wounded (12 tracks) +Album Reviews

Bayside has Graduated

Jeremy Meyer | San Diego, CA | 02/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album isn't as easy on the ears of a fan of the screamo/emo genre as the others have been. Bayside has been pigeonholed with the rest of the Victory records bands, though never earned their reputation as screamo. This album is a foresight by Bayside by layering their sound and sophisticating their lyrics. The market has been saturated by self loathing emo bands and Bayside has proved that music in this arena can be incredibly deep without being depressing. Few other bands in this genre have attempted to distance themselves from the stereotype only to move so far away they don't appeal to their core audiences anymore. With this album, Bayside manages to appeal to their most loyal audience along with growing up with them"

Never dissappoints.

Eric M. Smith | Connecticut | 02/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From "Sirens and Condolences" to their self titled album to this newest venture "The Walking Wounded". Bayside never disappoints. They take what they do well and do something new with it to make it better. The catchy vocals and lyrics of Anthony are still there and even better. Jack's amazing guitar lines and unfathomable solo ablility continues to amaze audiences in the title track and also in "Choice Hops and Bottled Self-Esteem". The drumming is great even minus "Beatz" and Chris does much to honor his legacy. Nick's bass lines are getting wonderfully complex and squeeze this album above any in the genre. They still have their signature dark sound but with a new sense of hope and confidence not yet seen till now. They have come through much and its great to see it has affected them positively. Hopefully they will continue this trend and show a great tour to compliment their new record as they always do."

How do they do it?

T.A.S. | The 951 | 02/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bayside is on the verge of breaking out in a big way. With their third full length album (not counting their Acoustic album) they do not disappoint. Usually after three albums, bands either start to change their style that detracts listeners or they get complacent in their music also drawing people away. Bayside does not do either of the aforementioned demises. They have maintained their unique sound of powerful, meaningful music. The lyrics are inspiring and the music is mesmerizing. You can definitely sense some maturity in their songwriting as they incorporate different aspects of music and range.

The title track "The Walking Wounded" send you on a rolercoaster ride of highs and lows culminating on a brilliant arrangement of song and sound. The songs are not about cutting their wrists over a girl slapping them in the face or whining about a bad relationship. They are about living life to the full and learning from your mistakes and they don't have to scream to get their point across. The sure single "Duality" finds a balance between feelings of hopelessness and feelings of truly being alive. "Carry On" tells a story of being able to move on despite adversity and struggles in life and describes how difficult it is to overcome it all. But even more amazing is how the arrangement of the music in the song develops as the lyrics do (high, low, soft, and strong). Amazing.

The CD is on loop in my car and I enjoy it more and more everytime I hear it. But don't be fooled, this is not one of those albums that you "have to hear twice to appreciate". You'll appreciate the first goaround. Buy this album and you will just be another victim of succumbing to brilliant music."

Excellent album by an excellent band.

Alan Holder | Eastman, GA USA | 02/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This new CD from Bayside is everything I was hoping it would be. Soaring vocals and tight guitars combined to create musical bliss... Ok maybe that's a little much but this is a great album. Bayside has done it again by making an album that delivers on all levels. The most notable improvement on this CD is the guitar work. The solos are more complicated and fit perfectly into the respective song. Top tracks include The Walking Wounded, They're Not Horses They're Unicorns (which I think will be their next Devotion and Desire) and Choice Hops and Bottled Self Esteem. Overall it sounds like vintage Bayside, which is not a bad thing. Highly recommended album, along with their previous releases Acoustic, Bayside, and Sirens and Condolences."

'The Walking Wounded': Bayside's Best to Date

i2hymnocerous | Pennsylvania | 01/23/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"'The Walking Wounded' is Bayside's latest album, the first since the death of drummer John 'Beatz' Holohan.

As some have suggested, this album is 'softer' then previous Bayside albums. However, don't be fooled by that statement. This is the second album which lead singer/guitarist Anthony Raneri primarily wrote the lyrics for. These lyrics I feel are a true reflection of his life. An example of this are songs like 'Dear Your Holiness'. In a journal that kept up with the recording process of this album, Raneri mentioned his frustration with religion and the possible existence of God. That frustration ultimately evolved into 'Dear Your Holiness'.

Another big factor is the fact that Raneri was engaged, about to be married, to his current wife. For someone in this state to have the same harsh lyrics, like the ones featured on 'Bayside', is just hard to imagine. That is not a knock on the album or Raneri as a songwriter at all. I feel these songs are great because of the deep, emotional lyrics that may have been inspired by this part of his life. This album is an example of how you have to let it all out when trying to make a great album. Listening to the album top to bottom, it appears that no emotion is left out.

Aside from the deep, meaningful lyrics on this album, the general sound is quite pleasing. The debut for Chris Guglielmo as drummer was a good one. They may not be the most unique drum beats, but they are definitely good ones. They seem to go with the general feel of the lyrics that are in the song. Another thing to note is the guitar work. Jack O'Shea remains in my mind, a very underrated guitarist. His solo on the first song, 'The Walking Wounded', was astounding. The producers simply let the man go crazy. Also to mention are how the guitars flow well with the lyrics. My personal favorite is the way they are used in the second song 'They're Not Horses, They're Unicorns'. They are heavy and rough, just as the lyrics seem to be.

Although this may not be the harshest Bayside album, even a bit soft, I still feel it is their best to date. The emotion that went into the album is second to none. Raneri has evolved as a songwriter right before listener's eyes. He has learned to let all of his emotions flow into the music, which is the reason this album is a must-hear to those who want emotional music written from the heart."

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	Bayside The Walking Wounded Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock Track Listings (12) - Disc #1 The Walking Wounded They're Not Horses, They're Unicorns Duality Carry On I and I Choice Hops and Bottled Self Esteem Head On A Plate Dear Your Holiness Landing Feet First Thankfully A Rite Of Passage (Pop) Ular Science flexfield5
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