Bayside – Cult

Bayside – Cult
Review by Annette Schaefer

It’s been nearly three years since alternative rock band Bayside released 2011’s well received Killing Time. The band’s new release Cult incorporates much of what was great about Killing Time, but with a bit of a darker twist.

The album starts off strong and heavy with “Big Cheese” dense with almost metal-worthy guitars followed by Anthony Raneri’s unique and emotional vocals. The song speaks of self-loathing while still desiring to leave a mark.

Track two, “Time Has come” rolls in quickly and changes up the tone a bit with more upbeat rhythms and pop punk styled guitars. The bouncy chorus grabs your attention and leaves you wanting more.

The album loses pace a bit with the lyrically intriguing, but otherwise lackluster song “You’re No Match”, but quickly picks back up with the entrancing harmonies in “Pigsty.”

To me the album reaches its all time high with “Stuttering,” a track that seems to speak of the frustration of pleasing not only fans but the music business as well. The emotion in Raneri’s voice draws you deeper into the track and makes you feel the frustration and sarcasm in every word.

Cult winds down with the haunting track “The Whitest Lie” which finishes off the record with a chorus of voices making for a powerful ending.

I’m not sure that this album is better than or even as good as Killing Time, but it’s dangerously close. Bayside is a band that delivers musically and Cult is more than worth your time.

Overall Rating: 4/5
Recommended Tracks: “Time Has Come”, “Pigsty” and “Stuttering”
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