The Queens-based punk rock band Bayside's latest album, There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive, is a testament to the band's enduring twenty-two year legacy and their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. The band's ninth studio album will be released on April 5, 2024, once again through Hopeless Records.
There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive is a follow-up to their previous album, Interrobang (2019) and their two-part EP release The Red EP (2022) and The Blue EP (2023), showcases the band's knack for crafting meaningful songs that resonate with listeners on a much deeper level. Additionally, the band's new album is a collection of the six songs on their previous two EPs, alongside six brand new tunes.
The album opens with "The Devils," featuring a haunting choir and a blistering guitar solo, setting the tone for what's to come. "Castaway" follows with its riff-heavy sound and a choir-driven bridge leading into a guitar solo, demonstrating the band's musical prowess.
"Go To Hell" starts with simple guitar plucking and builds into a classic Bayside track, complete with a catchy chorus and melodic guitar work. "How To Ruin Everything (Patience)" takes a thrashy, punk approach, featuring a collaboration with the post-hardcore/metalcore band Ice Nine Kills, adding a twist of heavier music to the mix.
"Good Advice" continues the trend of catchy tunes, showcasing the band's ability to craft infectious melodies. "Miracle" introduces heavy metal influences, with dueling guitars and powerful vocals, while "Strangest Faces" stands out as one of the album's highlights, with poignant vocals and riffing guitars
"Say So Long" takes the sound back to Bayside's punk roots, serving as a nod to their earlier work. The album closes with "I'm So Happy I Could Die," a sad and profoundly introspective track that leaves a lasting impact.
Overall, There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive is a testament to Bayside's ability to always stay relevant in an always changing genre and continue to deliver meaningful music after twenty-two years. With its mix of introspective storytelling and a blend of punk, rock, and metal, this album solidifies Bayside's position as one of the most influential bands of their generation.