The relationship between a band and their fans is special, particularly if the group’s followers collectively label themselves a ‘cult’.
Cue Bayside and their sixth studio release, Cult – appropriately titled, and perhaps a tribute to their fiercely loyal fans.
Rather than choosing a slightly different musical direction for the record, like many other acts in the pop-punk genre, Bayside are just doing what Bayside do best. The band has successfully managed to mix some cracking guitar solos, especially in ‘Big Cheese’ and ‘Pigsty’, with thoughtful, original lyrics, highlighted in tracks such as ‘Transitive Property’.
A standout aspect of the record is the weaving of sweet, hopeful lyrics with the age-old theme of mortality. Far from being morbid, or a poptastic love album for that matter, the LP kicks you in the face from start to finish with intricately woven guitar lines, catchy lyrics, and the ever distinctive vocals of frontman Anthony Raneri.
Keeping in the same vein as the band’s 2011 release Killing Time, Cult is an impressive release that’s bound to have loyal fans punching their fists in the air.
