Formed in 2000, Bayside, a group of New York natives, already has four full-length albums under its belt. Their newest album, "Killing Time," showcases the punk rockers at their best. It is a rocket of an album, complete with pounding drums, furious guitar riffs and strong vocals.
"Killing Time" is strong from the get-go. The opening track, "Already Gone," is explosive. Guitarist Jack O'Shea's swift lead guitar work lends the track a searing undertone that is complimented by front man Anthony Raneri's throaty vocals. The first of several tracks about Raneri's failed marriage, "Already Gone" is aggressive, with Raneri's frustration screaming through in every note.
The forceful attitude continues in lead single "Sick, Sick, Sick," another scathing track about Raneri's relationship. "Sick, Sick, Sick" has a driving tempo, accompanied by the repetition of the title, haunting harmonies and lines like "Your sexcapades deliver checks/But can't afford you self respect." It is a catchy track that is fun to scream along to. It is also a fantastic reflection on a relationship gone horribly wrong.
"Mona Lisa" is yet another track about Raneri's ex, but it features a softer guitar and vocals. The high point comes at the bridge when Raneri sings "Mona Lisa you've really done something/You're the black ice on my road to wholesome" over a subtle piano melody. The song is filled with a yearning to forget and move on with life.
The title track, "Killing Time," is slower, less angry and more solemn. It is a great way to conclude the album because it features compelling guitar riffs that reflect on the idea of waiting for something that may never come. It asks the thought provoking question, "Can a person make a difference if he never makes a sound?"
A far cry from the typical Bayside sound, even the 20-piece orchestral arrangements and leisurely pace of "On Love, On Life" still manage to fit in with the rest of the album and display the band's ability to deviate from its usual style without losing its edge.
