Non-mainstream essentials: March 2011

February’s largest success: Bayside’s Killing Time

If you’ve already read the review for Bayside’s Killing Time, skip to the new releases at the bottom of the page!

Killing Time is the next jump forward for Queens-based Bayside, following 2008’s Shudder. With a new label to back them up (Wind-up Records), Bayside returns with yet another memorable alt-rock release to accompany them.

Expectations for the band’s fifth full-length album were already high with their previous success. However, once coupled with the fact that they would be working with acclaimed producer Gil Norton (Foo Fighters, The Pixies), expectations were raised ever higher

The album opens in powerful fashion with what is potentially one of the fastest, strongest songs on the tracklisting; “Already Gone.” Anthony Raneri and company continue to set the bar high from then on with commendable songs such as “Sick, Sick, Sick” and “Seeing Sound.” Even in slowing things down considerably, Bayside keeps their quality of music high with the song “On Love, On Life.”

Upon listening to the record, it is apparent that Bayside was ready for the challenge and rose to meet the high expectations. It also wouldn’t be an outlandish statement to claim that Killing Time is one of the most solid albums that Bayside has produced thus far. Undoubtedly a worthy record to add to a collection.

Go listen to: “Already Gone”

Looking forward to March: (It’s going to be a busy month)

1. Go Radio’s Lucky Street (3/1)

2. Aaron Gillespie’s Anthem Song (3/8)

3. Dance Gavin Dance’s Downtown Battle Mountain Part II (3/8)

4. Rise Against’s Endgame (3/15)

5. Yellowcard’s When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes (3/22)

6. Panic! At The Disco’s Vices & Virtues (3/29)

7. Sum 41’s Screaming Bloody Murder (3/29)

8. Broadway’s Gentlemen’s Brawl (TBD)