Bayside’s Intricate Eighth Album Interrobang, Tour in U.S.
Photo Courtesy of Bayside
In a rather unexpected move, New York punk rock band Bayside surprise-released their eighth studio album Interrobang early last month, a record that delightfully blends genres and sounds into intense and cleanly layered arrangements. With a mere two-week notice, it’s only fitting that Bayside would put forth their release in this specific way. Why? The word ‘interrobang’ is the use of an exclamation point fused with a question mark at the end of a sentence. It was a well-played move from this genre-bending group, but the kicks don’t end there.
“We wanted the record to feel exciting and new, but also sound like a natural progression for the band,” vocalist Anthony Raneri explains. “We just wanted to keep the listener on their toes— there is a ton of information being thrown out and if you want to take it all in, you can't stop paying attention for a second.” Indeed, the quartet creates a dynamic sound with Interrobang, working with producer Cameron Webb, who has previously worked with NOFX, Motorhead, and Alkaline Trio.
In “Bury Me,” guitarist Jack O’Shea crafts heavy guitar riffs during the intro and bridge, his fingertips working so fast that they would surely fall off if he played any faster. The song isn’t just lightning fast, it’s impeccable and articulate. Raneri employs several well-placed growls as he slides off meandering syllables, while swiftly keeping vocals clean and crisp.
The album’s opening track, “Interrobang,” in contrast, delivers a melodic, varied sound in an anthemic fashion. The song is an excellent translation of “optimistic fatalism,” in which the lyrics talk of seeking better days paired with sonic elements that remain relatively dark. In short, the song encompasses punk for the optimist at heart.
Another theme the album explores is raw heartache. “Numb” cuts to the core with prominent melodies alongside diverse fragments, knife-sharp electric guitars, and Raneri’s signature crystal clear voice. With the combination of their storytelling and nearly theatrical instrumentation, Bayside’s music reaches into the depths and exudes a subtle vaudeville, cabaret influence. There are dark overtones overall, with hints of metal riffs and carefully planned pauses that build suspense.
Perhaps one of the most accessible punk groups today, Bayside creates a niche for fans of alternative, hard rock, emo, and indie with their music. In honor of the album’s release, the band set out on a multi-date tour, playing exclusively small club venues across the U.S. and saving opening slots for local unsigned bands to join them on stage. Be sure to pick up Interrobang, available everywhere now.
Track List
1. Interrobang
2. Prayers
3. Bury Me
4. Tall
5. Medication
6. Numb
7. Heaven
8. Trouble
9. Walk It Off
10. White Flag
Tour Dates
11/12 - Baltimore, MD | Ottobar
11/13 - New York, NY | Music Hall of Williamsburg
11/15 - Philadelphia, PA | TLA
11/16 - Cambridge, MA | The Sinclair
11/17 - Huntington, NY | The Paramount
11/19 - Greensboro, NC | Blind Tiger
11/20 - Columbia, SC | New Brookland Tavern
11/22 - Orlando, FL | The Abbey
11/23 - Tampa, FL | Orpheum
11/24 - Atlanta, GA | Masquerade
12/5 - Birmingham, AL | Saturn
12/6 - New Orleans, LA | HOB New Orleans
12/7 - Houston, TX | Secret Group
12/8 - Austin, TX | Barracuda
12/9 - Dallas, TX | Gas Monkey Live!
12/11 - Tucson, AZ | 191 Toole
12/12 - San Diego, CA | Casbah
12/13 - Anaheim, CA | Chain Reaction
12/14 - Los Angeles, CA | Troubadour
12/15 - San Francisco, CA | Great American Music Hall
12/17 - Portland, OR | Hawthorne Theatre
12/18 - Seattle, WA | Crocodile
12/20 - Salt Lake City, UT | The Complex - Grand Room
12/21 - Colorado Springs, CO | Black Sheep
12/22 - Omaha, NE | Waiting Room
