Bayside Warmup For Take Action Tour

In preparation for their headlining spot on the upcoming Take Action Tour, Bayside performed at UConn this past weekend to a handful of their New England fans. The free was show was part of UConnaroo, the first annual spring musical festival put on by the university.

Having just released Killing Time this past February, the Long Island outfit used Saturday night's performance as a practice run to see how their new songs would work into their already powerful set list. And with the exception of a few songs and a bass mishap during "Montauk", the set was flawless.

Bayside were able to mix in five new songs out of the 10 on Killing Time into the night's performance. The first of the bunch was "The Wrong Way" which came third in the set. Standing as one of the fastest and catchiest on the record, the three-and-a-half minute track transitions seamlessly into the band's live show.

The rest of the new songs, which in some cases were being performed live for the first time, were spread throughout the remainder of the set. Titles included, "Mona Lisa", "Sick, Sick, Sick", "Already Gone" and "Seeing Sound". Each fit nicely in its own right, with the exception of "Seeing Sound", which seemed a little placid amongst Bayside's other energetic and emotional tracks.

The 15-song set managed to include songs from each one of the band's previous releases, plus a Weezer cover. A Tweet from the band post-show said there would be an updated set list with more new songs on the Take Action Tour, which kicks off in a few weeks.

From Saturday's show, it's clear that Bayside are bringing to the table a renewed sense of energy to their live show, a trait that was somewhat lacking during their Shudder years. They come out swinging, and don't let up until the final chord is struck. If there's any time to catch Bayside live, it's now.

Bayside Set List

University of Connecticut

April 2, 2011

Montauk

No One Understands

The Wrong Way

The Walking Wounded

Duality

Already Gone

Seeing Sound

Masterpiece

Rochambo

Carry On

Mona Lisa

Sick, Sick, Sick

I And I

My Name Is Jonas (Weezer cover)

Devotion And Desire

What would you like to hear Bayside play on the Take Action Tour?

Bayside - Killing Time Review

When it comes to longevity in the music industry, it's hard to find a band today that have stuck together through the years, and more importantly, haven't altered their sound from record to record. And with the release of Bayside's Killing Time, it's clear that the Long Island outfit stand as one of the few bands that can actually accomplish this.

The 10-track album, released on Wind-Up Records, stands as both a throwback to Bayside's earliest work, and a step toward maturing their sound. Killing Time opens up with "Already Gone", a track that will immediately satisfy fans of the band's 2008 release, Shudder. The opener picks up where Shudder left off, but with enough flair and hard-rock genius to set a tone of anger and emotion that remains present through the other nine tracks.

For fans of Bayside's earlier work, including Sirens and Condolences and their self-titled effort, they need to look no further than songs like "The Wrong Way" and the album's title track. Both tracks prove to be memorably intense and in-your-face thanks to the driving bass lines of Nick Ghanbarian and the screaming lead guitar riffs of Jack O'Shea.

Lead singer Anthony Raneri's lyrics have a way of sticking around once you hear them. Again, as with almost every other Bayside record, Raneri can write about tragedy and heartache without sobbing or feeling sorry for himself. The emotion he copes with on Killing Time are met with a passion and anger that will undoubtedly have crowds exploding toward the stage during live shows.

But the record does have it's slower side, too. The one thing about Bayside is they always leave a little space for something acoustic on each record. This record's unplugged tune comes in the form of "On Love, On Life" - a somewhat depressing account of love lost. "I can't let it bother me / if fact and fate just can't agree / on love, on life. / Can we just stop taking ourselves so seriously?"

All in all, Killing Time moves in a way no other Bayside record has. While it finds a nice mix of fast and slow, anger and aggression, it's the fluidity and consistency each song has that makes the album stand out. No one song is left behind. Each part works in perfect harmony with the last. Nothing is left out, and nothing seems overdone.

Perhaps the real sell for this album is that fine balance between old and new. You can hear Shudder in this record, but it's never too much. You can also hear traces of songs like, "Masterpiece" and "Montauk" riddled through the track listing. But again, it's never too much.

It seems that Bayside have found their stride. While Shudder represented a leap toward maturity, which was ultimately too much, Killing Time has found that balance they were looking for two years ago. All the elements of this band that fans know and love are represented equally. With nothing left out and no one left behind, Bayside have covered their ground nicely.

Armed with Killing Time, look for these guys to take what's left of the scene by storm.

Most Anticipated Albums Of 2011

Well, it's 2011 and the economy still sucks, Christopher Drew is still making music and Steve Carell is leaving "The Office," but it's not all bad. The new year is bringing plenty of fresh tunes to get stoked on. Wanna know the best? Then keep reading and check out Backstage Press' Most Anticipated Albums of 2011.

Bayside - Killing Time

Release: February 22nd

Bayside spent most of 2010 recording Killing Time, their fifth studio album. Having already released two singles, including "Sick, Sick, Sick" and "Already Gone" it's clear that the Long Island outfit are showing maturity in their sound. The songs are a natural progression from 2008's Shudder, but bring back the raw aggression and punk feel from their early work. This will certainly be the "can't miss" record of 2011.

Yellowcard - When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes

Release: March 22nd

It's been almost four years since we heard last heard from the Florida pop-rockers. But Yellowcard are back, and armed with a new record for your listening pleasure. When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes is creating quite a buzz online so far. And with the release of the album's first single, "For You, And Your Denial", Yellowcard are starting their climb to the top again. Look for this record to sell well this year.

D.R.U.G.S. - Abigail (Will Be Born With Four Friendly Eyes) **

Release : February 22nd

Craig Owens' newest supergroup are poised to be the reigning post-hardcore champs of 2011 with the release of their debut album. In the past few months, D.R.U.G.S. have released three songs off the record - "Sex Life", "If You Think This Song Is About You, It Probably Is" and "Mr. Owl Ate My Metal Worm". Each is seemingly as catchy as the next, and has led to an outpouring of support from fans nationwide. Plus, being a band comprised of members from other notable scene acts, it will be great to see whether or not this record holds up to the previous releases of each member.

Handguns - Don't Bite Your Tongue

Release: February 22nd

The Mid-Atlantic pop-punk quartet will be putting out their new EP, Don't Bite Your Tongue, on Pure Noise Records this year. The seven-song recording is their answer to 2010's Anywhere But Home - an album packed with as much honesty as you'd expect from The Wonder Years, and as memorable as the early work of The Starting Line. Handguns have released their first single off Don't Bite, "Scream Goodbye", which continues in ABH's footsteps of upbeat lyrics and catchy guitar riffs. If you miss when pop-punk was pop-punk, you're going to want to grab this record.

Rise Against - Endgame

Release: March 15th

Since we last heard from them on their 2010 DVD, Another Station, Another Mile, Chicago punks, Rise Against, have been hard at work on their sixth full-length album, Endgame. Recorded at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado, the band invested in the help of Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore for producing efforts. Having released the song, "Help Is On The Way", it's clear that the band have not left their roots. The song, as it's anticipated the rest of the album will be, is politically charged and driven by issues of humanity. This record will not disappoint loyal fans, and is sure to turn a few new heads.

Taking Back Sunday - TBA

Release: TBA

Having just finished recording in December, Taking Back Sunday are putting the finishing touches on what will be their first release since 2009's New Again. They've gone back to the Tell All Your Friends-era band lineup, leading many to speculate that 2011's record will harken back to classic TBS both lyrically and musically. Late last year, TBS released a completed song with the working title, "Best Places To Be A Mom". Listen to it here, and check back for more info on the 2011 TBS release.

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A number of other bands will be releasing records or getting back into the studio this year. Check 'em below.

blink-182 - Currently in the studio

The Wonder Years - Currently in the studio; record release slated for summer 2011

The Get Up Kids - New album out 1/25

This Time Next Year - Currently in the studio with Chad Gilbert of NFG

Emery - New album out 3/22

Set Your Goals - Currently in the studio

Vanna - Currently in the studio

Dance Gavin Dance - New album out 3/8

** - No formal name has been given for this record. Various sites list it as Abigail, while others leave it untitled.

Fresh Tunes For Fall

Good news for all you blood thirsty, hardcore killjoys out there. Autumn is here, and it comes with enough new music to take you through another crappy holiday season. Take a look at what's to come, kids.

Senses Fail - The Fire

October 26

The hardcore New Jersey quartet are back with their answer to 2008's Life Is Not a Waiting Room. Sticking with what works best, Senses Fail have once again put together a power packed album that's set to bring down the walls of venues nationwide. Need proof? Take a listen to their first single from The Fire entitled, "Saint Anthony." Be sure to check SF out on tour this fall with Bayside, Title Fight and Balance & Composure.

My Chemical Romance - Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys

November 22

It's been four years since we last heard from My Chemical Romance, but the emo rock gods are coming full force in 2010 with their fourth studio album. It seems as though the band are radio ready, even after letting go of drummer Bob Bryar. They recently released their first single off Danger Days entitled, "Na Na Na" (see video below). It's an anthemic tune that will be well suited to join their already strong arena rock setlist.

A Day To Remember - What Separates Me From You

November 16

Ocala, Florida natives A Day To Remember went back to producer Andrew Wade (who produced their 2009 release, Homesick) for help on the new record. They spent most of August recording, and even had a special guest, in New Found Glory's Chad Gilbert, drop in to do some work on Separates. No singles have been released as of yet, but look for these guys on tour this fall with Underoath, The Word Alive and Close Your Eyes.

*UPDATE, 10/6 - ADTR release "All I Want" on KROQ. Hear it below.

A Day To Remember - All I Want by KROQ

Bring Me The Horizon - There Is a Hell, Believe Me I’ve Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let’s Keep It a Secret.

October 4

Having just released the brutal single, "It Never Ends," Bring Me The Horizon are preparing to release their third album next week. Fans can expect more hardcore screamo covered in blood, guts and gore. Seriously, check out BMTH's latest video for proof. The band are currently streaming their entire new album, which you can listen to here.

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A few other noted acts are coming out with fresh music this fall. Be on the lookout for a new record from Underoath on November 9. Bayside have also finished recording, and their new record should be out sometime in the coming months. Jimmy Eat World just released Invented this week, and is available everywhere. Keep listening, rock 'n' rollers.