Spring Break
'Shudder' demonstrates rock and honest themes
Anna Clay
Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
It seems like fans of music across the board are always anticipating that one album of their favorite band that will disappoint listeners in some way or make the group "sell out."
Bayside fans have held their breath for the Sept. 30 release of "Shudder," their fifth album. But fortunately, they will not be dissatisfied.
The Long Island quartet is known for its heavier sound, but the four have lightened up on some tracks, without losing the core that makes them Bayside. Their powerful and symbolic lyrics remain intact, but they're hard to specifically describe in a way that does them justice. You'll just have to listen.
The LP opens with strong chord progressions in "Boy" that let you know right away that "Shudder" is a rock album-not pop-rock, not punk-rock, but plain ol' rock. But there is definitely nothing plain about Bayside's honest themes. The third track "No One Understands" sounds cliché, but has its own unique qualities. It turns around a common phrase with the line "Let's be honest/ if the sun don't shine tomorrow/ we'll survive."
"Demons" explores a path to self-hate and conformity that really stands out on the album. While track nine, "Howard," takes an interesting turn in discussing the mental decline of Howard Hughes, a famous industrialist, film producer/director and aviator of the early 1900s. "Shudder" winds down with acoustic track 12, "Moceanu," that involves a lot of spelling and finishes up the album on a good note.
If you don't already listen to Bayside, it's time to add a little more rock to your life. Treat yourself to a copy of "Shudder." And while you're at it, why not check out some of their older albums?
If you like what you hear, catch the band live when they play the Trocadero Nov. 15 alongside Philadelphia locals Valencia, as well as The Matches and The Status.
Bayside fans have held their breath for the Sept. 30 release of "Shudder," their fifth album. But fortunately, they will not be dissatisfied.
The Long Island quartet is known for its heavier sound, but the four have lightened up on some tracks, without losing the core that makes them Bayside. Their powerful and symbolic lyrics remain intact, but they're hard to specifically describe in a way that does them justice. You'll just have to listen.
The LP opens with strong chord progressions in "Boy" that let you know right away that "Shudder" is a rock album-not pop-rock, not punk-rock, but plain ol' rock. But there is definitely nothing plain about Bayside's honest themes. The third track "No One Understands" sounds cliché, but has its own unique qualities. It turns around a common phrase with the line "Let's be honest/ if the sun don't shine tomorrow/ we'll survive."
"Demons" explores a path to self-hate and conformity that really stands out on the album. While track nine, "Howard," takes an interesting turn in discussing the mental decline of Howard Hughes, a famous industrialist, film producer/director and aviator of the early 1900s. "Shudder" winds down with acoustic track 12, "Moceanu," that involves a lot of spelling and finishes up the album on a good note.
If you don't already listen to Bayside, it's time to add a little more rock to your life. Treat yourself to a copy of "Shudder." And while you're at it, why not check out some of their older albums?
If you like what you hear, catch the band live when they play the Trocadero Nov. 15 alongside Philadelphia locals Valencia, as well as The Matches and The Status.
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