Album Details

• Artist: Bayside
• Album: Shudder
• Label: Victory
• Year of Release: 2008
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: kevinare on 2008-09-07

Being a big fan of Long Island's Bayside, this album was on my highly anticipated list for 2008. Starting the first track Boy gave me a sigh of relief, because, alas, it sounded like the Bayside I had grown to know and love. Boy is a powerful opener, much like the opener on The Walking Wounded. It seems that they have receded to they're self titled days. It has the same feel as their second album. Boy sounds to me like it would be an amazing song to be played live, I can see the crowd chanting to it in my head, "Go on, give up, you'll never win. No crying now they're watching him. His blood will boil, the kids will sing, Learn to drown before you learn to swim".

My personal favorite(s) right now? I'm torn between track two, The Ghost of St. Valentine, and A Call to Arms. St. Valentine has a more Walking Wounded feel to it, in it's own ways, but Call to Arms, is more catchy and rhythmic, alike Half a Life. This is overall a great album. They have done a good job, this could possibly be my favorite Bayside record. 

User Reviews and Comments

on 2008-10-07 ariskatle Said:

I am a long time Bayside fan and I was highly anticipating this album all summer, but I am a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong, instrumentally wise, this is a very talented album; Its probably Bayside's most skillful CD yet. The guitar riffs are unique, and the drums accentuate them well. But I am not liking the pop-ier sound.

Anthony's vocals are different from CD's past and I can't really get over his new happy, lighter tone. His lyrics are still well written and meaningful, but I really miss his against in previous works.

But I have given Shudder its chance to grow on me, and it has to an extent, but I can never cherish it like "Sirens and Condolences" or their self-titled album because of its lack of raw emotion.

But with that said, It is still a quality album that was put together well. Bayside is one of the better pop-punk bands out their and they deserve a listen
Rating: 8/10

on 2008-10-02 dscanland Said:

I always find myself enjoying Bayside. Shudder is no different. They do a great punk/pop amalgam.
Rating: 8/10

on 2008-09-18 X_NaStY Said:

Ugh, I can't seem to get into Bayside at all. I gave this album a listen and still the same. I'm not sure why that is.
Not Rated

on 2008-09-08 hstisgod Said:

Wow... five of five...I must give it a shot. Welcome back Kev
Not Rated