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| BaysideSirens and Condolences2004 Victory 
 Review by: CaraK See others by this writer ![[staff]](/images/icons/staffsticker.gif){kind=icon}
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Published on January 27th 2004 Well, Victory has a new darling that it is championing to all of the suburban teenagers of Chicagoland. Actually, they’re not that bad. In fact, I could see quite a few college students liking these guys too. Let me explain. First of all, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bayside’s new album getting quite huge. It’s got the right sound, it’s got the right label, the right attitude. It even has the right packaging, with a pretty cool photo on the cover—which someone will label “emo,” although I nonetheless think it’s a good photo (I’m not even going to get into this subject). So, I guess it’s not that these guys are really that bad. I mean, they do what they do fairly well. But on the other hand, it’s nothing I haven’t heard before. Their songs are a mix between the infamous Alkaline Trio and Chicago legends…Alkaline Trio. Oh wait, did I just say the same band twice? Track seven, “How to Fix Everything” could be something straight off of “From Here to Infirmary,” with lines like “The sharper the edge, the cleaner the wound / So I’ll be keeping it dull tonight for I deserve to hurt.” The lead singer’s voice at times also has a striking resemblance to Matt Skiba (well, Matt Skiba in the earlier and middling days). To be fair, sounding like Alkaline Trio is not necessarily a bad thing. Alkaline Trio is still one of my favorite bands, despite any shortcomings or causes for mourning in recent years, and a band could do far worse than to be compared to Alkaline Trio. Bayside does use some keyboards in the background of a few songs, so that is something different. With lots of “oohs” and “ahhs” for back up vocals, I can also see why people think that Bayside sounds a bit like Brand New or The Smiths. They do have a poppier, more upbeat sound on certain tracks, like the opening track “Masterpiece.” The singer is pleasant to listen to, I have to say. And the lyrics are actually pretty well written, for the most part, although they are a tad overdramatic at times. Also, they are a bit morbid at times, but I think that’s what they’re going for on an album titled “Sirens and Condolences.” They write about “sad” things and about hurting. Lines like “Nothing is real and I want you to know that I’m not alright / Tear open my chest. I’ll try not to flinch” are reminiscent of lyrics similar to Alkaline Trio… additionally, did I mention Alkaline Trio again?? Unfortunately, the album starts off a lot stronger than it ends. The first seven tracks have quite a few hooks that got my attention. Disappointingly, the last two tracks leave me less than satisfied. They kind of blur into a sort of unimportant noise, and do not make me want to put the record on for a second spin. Or maybe it’s just that by the end of the album, some of the songs start sounding the same, and by track ten and eleven, I have grown tired of it. Honestly, I go back and forth with what to think about this album. I was prepared to not like this album. Then as I was reviewing it, I couldn’t help but still like parts of it. It seems to cry out to consumers “Like me, dammit! I’m what you want to hear!” And that is also partly why I don’t always like it: I don’t want to just be fed things that are pleasant to the ear or that are “safe,” things that everyone will like. I want an album to surprise me once in a while: it doesn’t have to be anything outrageous, but a little bit of intrigue once in a while is always nice. Anyway, for many people, I think this album will be what they want to hear. I guess the only problem I have with it is that it’s not that original. It is something that a lot of bands have been doing for quite a while. But Bayside does do it quite well and gives it a new sound. I think I like this album partially because it has a familiar sound, but it is a familiar sound that is fresh and young. At the same time, I can’t help but wish that they had taken a few more risks.
I can definitely see why people would like this album, especially all those youngsters out there in suburbia—and a few of us older kids, too. So next time you’re in town, don’t forget to say hi to the new favorites over at Victory Records, because I think they’re going to be around for quite a while.
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i love this cd it is so awesome My personal favorite cd right now with Darkest Hour, "Guardrail" is the best song on this album... Bayside rocks.Enough said.New album coming out soon. yeah, the cover's gorgeous if you're into death fashion. i'd hate to be married to some of you fellas. WOW Bayside is where the show Saved By the Bell took place! I always loved that show - Dustin "Screech" Diamond can play my skin flute any day of the week and wear my arabian goggles. If this band is half as good as SBTB than I need to change my pants cuz I'm about to lose my load in them Yes I agree the first time I saw Bayside i thought damn this guys sounds like Matt Skiba Alkaline Trio. They were a pretty decent band live. Then a couple weeks later I found a copy of their cd used at my local records store I purchased it because i wanted to give these guys a second chance and also hear what they sounded like recorded once again at first i thought a 4 piece alkaline trio. Its unfair to compare these guys to alkaline trio to much though because those guys are pioneers and this is their first major record. But after i bought sirens and condolences and gave it a few listens I have to disagree and say its a very catchy album that you can listen to all the way through without skipping. What sets them apart from alkaline trio 1 they are a four piece and their lead guitarist rips and realy lets loose on most of the tracks. 2 their lyrics are morbid but not quite as clever as alkaline. 3 There alot younger which means they have youth on their side lets hope they get better in time and break out of the shadows of being deemed a 4 piece alkaline. I think this is one of the best albums I've heard in a while. They are a great bunch of guys and deserve the attention. i think that this is a great cd and they are a young band and they will have many great cds to come...i have listened to them since their first cd long stories short...all u people bitching about how they are emo why would u come review it if thats all u are going to put u probably havent even listened to it emo is no label but just a word for asshole music Death to labels. Death to emo. Sleep well i hate emo. have a nice day. Greyicewater, a list of things a band expects when playing a venue is called a rider. Just so ya know. Socks, ha ha ha ha. Does their singer have down syndrome? Cuz they are totally stealing my idea. I was going to be the first person to start a band with a retarded kid singing. People would say, "these guys are retarded!" And I'd say,"yes we are." These guys aren't retarded, so I don't know that their excuse is. Stop putting reviews up of whack ass shit like this. Dumb mother fucker. i forget what those things are called where bands have it at venues and expect whatever items are on it to be brought to them.. but anyway, bayside had one of those at swayzes in marietta and expected the guys who run it to buy them socks and pizzas and whatever else was on it. these guys are rockstars. This band just isn't comparable to Alkaline Trio. They are from Long Island and kind of want to get into the Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, Straylight Run scene... but it's all a bit phoney, or at least they have changed dramatically in two years. I miss Grade. Haven't listened to this stuff, but I like alk3 and with all the comparisons I'm bound to like it. The comment below is a joke right? Very good record. I hope victory produces more bands like Bayside, TBS, Atreyu and silverstein and less bands like All out war, hoods and A18 Ive herd most of the record and think its really good but i guess that means Im and "EMO FAG" to all you metal heads who only care about songs that's lyrics are about murdering your principal. Grow the hell up. If you like Bayside, kill yourself. If you like Bayside, check out The Junior Varsity (www.juniorvarsity.com) Similar sound, but a bit more Emo. saw these guys open for digger in 2002. Wow, they must be much improved, because this band used to be one which people hurled random senseless epithets at. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha I dunno, I kinda dig it. It reminds me a little bit of a faster less depressed Jawbox (probably the J. Robbins factor) i'm not a big fag of this type of music but I kinda like this. Oh well. the cover art is very very great, but the music is so unbelievable lame what the hell is wrong with you? this cover art sucks... how many freakin albums are there with just a hot chick on the front (count the stars, starting line, etc.) you'd think they would try for a least a little originality. the music, on the other hand, is quite good. Martha Stewart?! Ohh, thats why I cant stop looking at it. The cover's more than just some hot chick. Look a little closer. what the hell is wrong with you? this cover art sucks... how many freakin albums are there with just a hot chick on the front (count the stars, starting line, etc.) you'd think they would try for a least a little originality. the music, on the other hand, is quite good. Eh I'll be downloading this one not buying it. I just bought the new no motiv cd and norma jean cd so I've done my weekly good music shopping. Puh, listen to On The Might Of Princes -Sires, much better cd. Im not a fan of bands using similar names for ablums, its just something that annoys me. funny how half of you wont ever even pick up this cd. its ok to like it even if you just listen to it in your closet. scores for scott stealing this from ap.net, among other things. Yes, this band is from Long Island, to answer some previous questions. "but the cover is absolutely awful" That last post was referring to the No Motiv review. I guess I accidentally wanted to post it everywhere. Wow someone tries to do something interesting with a review and everyone just complains up the wazoo. Thats all anyone does here...complain. In fact, I'm compplaning about the complaining. woo hoo!!! "but the cover is absolutely awful" got the record! the artwork is so awesome. its pretty simple. but yeah the cover may not be the best photo but look deep into it. look at the wallpaper on the staircase, its the same as all the blank pages! and dammn who is that girl??? Artwork?!?!? this music is homosexual, so is ours! score is for the artwork. i can't speak to the rest of the liner notes, but the cover is absolutely awful. that picture is so pathetic in its attempt to be edgy arty. it's tired and lame and not new in any measurable way. i wasnt dissapointed at all i think i have found a new favorite record! and i usally hate all this new stuff!!! finally got this album and it is so great. it is the same band from long island from the split w/ name taken. i can't believe how good they are! Horrible-oldpunker-....... Go see the slackers at ottobar next friday...... the last good victory reviews were blood for blood and the strike, now they just love winey griney emo suck bands i wish victory would put out good records again. the new all out war was great. i could have sworn this band was from long island too .. aren't they the same band that did the split with name taken? Wait... I'm confused. Ant, the singer, is a really nice guy. Ive had the pleasure of playing twice with these guys. the name taken split was full of potential, and im glad theyve succeeded in this step. ive yet to hear the album, but ill trust them and give them an eight. ill change it if necessary. victory is hyping this like crazy. i don't see these guys being another thursday or taking back sunday. victory thinks they will be though. Hmm, these guys are playing sunday! Doesn't sound like my cup of tea, but I have no interest in the super bowl, decisions, decisions. nicest band i have ever had the pleasure to talk to. i saw them at a community center they were playing with all thats left and all the kids swarmed all thats left. so bayside was just sitting there next to us and we started talking to them and their merch guy. really nice people. yes. people are def. just like leppards and jams. dumbass ok, so i bought the split they did with name taken after hearing an alkaline trio comparison a couple months ago and they sound NOTHING like alkaline trio. did they change their sound or are people just def these days? Just because theyre not scenesters and theyre nice doesnt make them a good band. And Im SURE they have heard Alkaline Trio before. Even if they only listen to the radio, Alkaline Trio is played on the radio too. And it doesnt really matter if they have heard them or not, they still sound like them, regardless. the score is for blue, i like blue This score is for people who send multiple posts all with the same general theme, as if to say "look - other people agree with me! I'm not really a loser!" This score is also for me being stupid enough to read said posts. Bayside is a school that's cool and you know that it's true. The girls are the cutest, and the guys are the hippest, too. i have heard alot that they are'nt scensters too. that is awsome. it shows. they are just great rock music. great record i dont think they sound like the Alk3 at all... i dont even think they know what the Alk3 sounds like. i heard they arent even scemsters, and in interviews it says they just listen to pop music! what a damn good band i love this record. this band has really impresed me, i got the cd already the album art work is so awesome! its blank untill the last page! what an awesome idea..... those guys are really creative! The vocals on this record remind me alot of Scott Reynolds (ALL/Pavers). The band is 100% better than they used to be, and I can see them improving even more with time. the first five is feeling lazy. I just got this and the new fantomas(which i hope to try to review if i can ever find 74min to listen to the whole damn thing.) anyway these guys sound like the smoking popes before jesus and a whole lot more into sharp objects. Thanks. P.S. Also just listen to Masterpiece off this album and I know you love me by the Popes. Listen to the voices. Damn its creepy. Mediocrity personified. what i have heard of this record is outstanding. this review seems to me like "i want to hate it real bad, but it's good, so i can't. i will have to call it mediocre". if it's good, it's good. if journalists are going to be biast, they at least should'nt reveal it in thier reviews. at least pretend you're giving a real review this band used to be so terrible, and i remeber thinknig when they got signed to victory... wow this is terrible... and it is, it is. but this isnt terrible, and the scores for the cover art. I like the shirt they have that says something like "This band used to be pop punk and they blew. gah, another fuckin emo album cover. Get out of your grandmother's house! i wish victory would put out good records again. the new all out war was great. emo shitheads bware this is the ripper who will tear out your emotional little hearts. This band used to be pop punk and they blew. The album itself was like white noise to me - it wasn't bad, it wasn't good, it was just there. |
