After the calamitous van accident that took the life of drummer John “Beatz” Holohan on Halloween two years ago, one might have thought that lead singer Anthony Ranieri and Bayside would focus the direction of their latest album towards negativity and depression. Instead, the mood that’s felt while listening to The Walking Wounded is an aware, solid feeling of progression and clarity.
It’s safe to say that Bayside has never been one of Victory Records top priorities when it comes to marketing, (think of Hawthorne Heights) but marketing isn’t what makes a good band or an amazing album. What does a good album need? Bayside seems to have an antidote; honesty. The Walking Wounded is a remarkable album that has Ranieri no longer upset about the way things are, but more aware and slightly more understanding, rather than depressed.
Discussing the current pop-punk/emo “scene,” Ranieri proclaims in his beautifully painted lyrics one of his astounding epiphanies, “I thought I was a part of something more, but more money, less substance, more demand….trending what we fought to make ours.” If you are looking for an honest album that has a sound so true and honest, it makes it a prized rarity, check out The Walking Wounded as soon as possible.
release date: Tuesday, February 6, 2007
