Sirens and Condolences [ENHANCED]

Bayside

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 27, 2004)
• Original Release Date: January 27, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Victory Records
• ASIN: B00018U8P8
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #24,281 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

When Bayside sings of devastation and betrayal in songs like "How To Fix Everything" and "Guardrail" the emphasis is always placed equally on all parties involved. Honest self-examination, no matter how painful, brings a hope of redemption to these intimate, dark narratives of brooding and despair. "I'm ready to take that big step, start tearing off the layers I put up, or is it too late to be anything but what I am" from "How To Fix Everything" is a telling lyric, as it illustrates the loathing of a broken, insular heart suddenly turning inward, and finding that the blame lies inside. "Masterpiece" begs a friend to "Just accept yourself...find something that brings you closer to complete." Though their experiences in life have tested them, Bayside has found a way to complete themselves through the writing of meaningful lyrics and beautiful melodies, accompanied by touring and the love of music.

Bayside formed in Long Island, NY during the winter of 2000, after the requisite line-up changes of a young band were settled, they moved rapidly, establishing a fan base on the East Coast and touring North America. While still a very young band, Bayside began to catch the attention of various tastemakers, appearing on "From Brooklyn With Love," a compilation benefiting the victims of September 11th along with Taking Back Sunday, Brand New and The Reunion Show. Bayside recorded for the Dying Wish label in 2003 - the word was spreading, as the EP sold over 4,000 copies with no formal distribution and the band received in excess of 30,000 hits at mp3.com. Soon they were invited to contribute a song to "Bad Scene, Everybody's Fault,".

The exposure and great press from magazines like Alternative Press and Skratch brought Bayside to the attention of Victory Records, who signed the band in the fall of 2003 and encouraged them to record as soon as possible. J. Robbins was chosen to produce; the combination of his work in seminal, proto-emo band Jawbox and his production track record with bands like Hey Mercedes, The Promise Ring and Jets to Brazil was too much for the band to resist. "J. understood our vision, and with his experience on both sides of the board, he helped us expand on it. Music is very meaningful to us, he helped us perform on the edge emotionally, without losing our accessibility and pop sensibilities," said Anthony.

When asked about the darkness and melancholy expressed on "Sirens and Condolences," singer/guitarist Anthony remarked, "We are sort of morbid, masochistic people. We aren't just writing for shock value." Songwriter/bassist Andrew is an amazingly prolific songwriter, with notebooks filled with lyrics. He explained, "A lot of these songs are written about stuff that happened years ago, I want to acknowledge it without necessarily moving past it completely. I used to lash out at others until I realized I was mad at myself - on these songs, I feel that I am recognizing the old pattern and trying to change it." Anthony handles the musical chores, writing the melodies on acoustic guitar and arranging new songs on his four track for the band to hear. Jack adds his signature guitar solos and leads to fill out the songs after Anthony completes their structure, while Jim's driving rhythmic foundation provides the backdrop for Bayside's dynamic arrangements. The unique phrasing on "Sirens and Condolences" is Anthony's work; he adapts Andrew's lyrics syllabically to his melodies. "The most important thing in a song is melody, specifically vocal melodies. I try to make the words fit what I already have in my head. I want to create phrasing that is a little different from the norm, but still showcases the melody."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great sound... tedious lyrics, January 9, 2005

By	ironclad_lou (New York) - See all my reviews

I call them as I hear them, and I have to say these guys have a great sound... though their lyrics get a little tiresom.

Bayside is definately one of the best gutiar rock acts I have heard in the past few years. Musically, they pack a mean punch with a lot of raw energy. The first five songs launch this album with superb energy and attitude. 'Masterpiece' has got some great drive to it, though my favorite is still 'Alchol and Alterboys'.

However, around track six they become clinically depressed and finish the album off with a straight shot of songs about death and disfiguration. Usually lyrics like this don't phase me, but getting six in a row is just tedious and I get sick of listening... which is really a shame since they are still GREAT sounding songs. Bayside's guitar never relents!

So, rock-wise all the tracks sound awesome. I highly recommend for that aspect alone. I just wish they would get over this "It's cool to be a depressed artist, so listen to my woes" thing.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bayside: Sirens and Condolences., November 1, 2004

By	Nate Freese (Caldwell, Idaho) - See all my reviews

Wonderful, lyrical concept driven, dark rock. Eleven (11) well constructed, bitter songs; each posessing it's own unique, biting intellect. For fans of passionately honest music. Check out "Alcohol and Altar Boys" and "Talking of Michelangelo." 5/5

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't get enough, April 25, 2005

By	Christopher Beard "I...review...huh?" (Hobbiton, Shire, Middle Earth) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I heard Bayside through a Victory sampler, the song being "Masterpiece", and fell in love with it, lyrically, musically, vocally, so I decided to pick up Sirens and Condolences. This cd hasn't left my CD player yet. It is truly great music. Gets better with every listen.

This guys voice is truly original and a pleasure to listen to. To top that off his lyrics are top of the line. I find the lyrics highly reminiscent of those of Alkaline Trio, except they are a little less dark and sinister. With Alkaline Trio being one of my favorite bands, Bayside was sure to please.

I could go on about this album and you could read a bunch of pointless nonsense, or i could just sum it up into, if you like original voices, deep/meaningful/excellent lyrics, good music, you need to check out Bayside's "Sirens and Condolences. It is a very very good piece of work.