Bayside released Killing Time today, which is their first post Victory Records release. A big deal was made about them leaving Victory, and that finally they have some freedom to do as they please. This album I don’t feel entirely demonstrates any new found freedom. The songwriting is consistent with their previous releases, and although budgets and production may have changed, they’ve never really been a group who needed any outrageous recording procedures. The album is straightforward pop punk as all of the Bayside’s albums have been.

Similar to Shudder, the album didn’t immediately hit me the way I wished it would. I can already feel it growing on me, and I hope it lives up to its predecessor, but as of now it seems to be taking some time. The production value is certainly great on the album, however, while the lyrics remain within the emo/punk style of poetry we’re used to from Raneri, the melodies and harmony sections in the vocals and guitars are a quite a bit more pop than previous releases. Every track is hovering right around that radio market timestamp as well, even Shudder had a bit more variation, and I wonder if that was their intention.

They released a couple songs for stream prior to the release date, “Sick, Sick, Sick” and “Mona Lisa”. I would far from say that they accurately represent the atmosphere of the album, which I am struggling to put my finger on. Other than a couple new guitar tricks and studio production embellishments, the album is the simple Bayside rock format. One rhythm guitar, almost entirely distortion, one lead guitar, bass and drums, nothing really groundbreaking, but definitely different, and a “stand alone” from their entire discography. Take away the poppier sound and production and maybe the track “On Love, On Life” and the album is basically just another notch in their belt, not to say that’s a bad thing. The band is staying true to what they do best, as long as it’s still their intention and people are still connecting to them, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I find that some bands push themselves too hard to evolve, and as far as I’m concerned, if it doesn’t come naturally, you’re doing it wrong.

I think this album might be an on the fence effort for the band. Their next release could be an entirely new direction, and I’m finding myself anxious to hear what comes next, so in that sense, they have captivated me. When all is said and done, I can confidently say I definitely will not be removing my enormous Bayside tapestry hanging on my wall.

Track list:

1. Already Gone

2. Sick, Sick, Sick

3. Mona Lisa

4. It’s Not a Bad Little War

5. Sinking and Swimming on Long Island

6. Seeing Sound

7. The Wrong Way

8. On Love, On Life

9. The New Flesh

10. Killing Time