Review Summary: Bayside travel back in time all the way to the early 60’s to bring us their impressive first collection of cover songs.
For those who are unable to bear the long wait for Bayside’s 6th full length album, the band has taken it upon themselves to release their first collection of cover songs for your listening pleasure. Released on the band’s very own label Gumshoe Records, the EP is a short but enjoyable collection of cover songs that are brought to life by Bayside’s own brand of catchy pop punk.
Although Bayside has picked some rather interesting bands to cover, all the songs prove to be a perfect fit for them. They are able to change the sound considerably from the covers, making the songs their own, but without disgracing the originals. A perfect example can be found in their cover of ‘Movin Out’ (Anthony’s Song) by Billy Joel. The 70’s classic is now full of lively electric guitars and more energy than ever before. Vocalist Anthony Raneri is in prime form, adding spunk to the song with his unique voice. Like many of the songs they are able to spice it up a little, without wandering too far away from the song’s original formula.
The band have always been upbeat and they sound as good as ever on
Covers Volume 1. They somehow pack in more fun guitar work, creative drumming and catchy choruses than you would think possible on a fifteen minute release. Perhaps the best of the bunch is their bouncy cover of ‘Olivers Army’. Originally done by Elvis Costello, the band’s cover is a guitar lovers dream come true. In fact, it may even be as good as the original due to the perfect execution and the band’s high energy level. Another standout is the band's take on The Ronette's 'Be My Baby'. The band are able to seamlessly mix their rock edge with the pop song and the infectious chorus has a definite summer vibe making it hard not to enjoy.
Thankfully, the band doesn't falter once on the EP and the other cover songs are just as enjoyable. Whether it’s the blistering guitars in the beginning of the 60’s cover ‘Runaway’ or the slightly more aggressive vocals on the cover of Van Morison’s ‘Wild Night’, the band has enough creativity to make every song work. Obviously most of these covers can’t top the classic feel of the originals, but Bayside are really onto something here. Not only does the EP help feed the starving fans, but it showcases the band’s love for the classics. Hopefully, as the album name suggests, Bayside will release a Covers Volume 2 in the future because this is some of the most enjoyable material I’ve heard from them in years.
