Album Review: Bayonet Self-Titled

Bayonet Bayonet

     Let’s do this really quick.  I don’t want to give away too much, but I feel like this EP just need’s to be talked about.  This is my second review.

     There is never a dull moment on Bayonet’s self-titled debut EP.  You guys know American History X?  Remember the dude who had to bite the curb?  The first song is Edward Norton’s boot crushing his face.  While the thing is only 11 minutes long, it’s probably better that way, because the rest of the EP follows suit.  When I listen to it, I feel like my body actually physically reacts to the music.  This band isn’t exactly doing anything original, and the influences are pretty bare and evident (Give up the Ghost/American Nightmare, Bane, heavier Kid Dynamite), but that never hinders the quality of these well orchestrated songs.  This EP embodies a panic attack delivered through an abrasive and unrestrained sound that actually physically makes me uneasy.

     I couldn’t even say anything outstanding about its sound, to be honest.  The guitars are heavy and distorted.  The bass is low, growly, and thick.  The drums are pretty basic but fast as fuck and definitely sharp and on cue.  Buddy’s vocals are out of control, to the point that every once in a while you can actually hear his vocal cords shredding (especially during the end of “New York Minutes”).  You dig gang vocals?  This EP is chock full of well placed ones.  Enjoy.  Scream along.

     Downfalls to the EP?  I suppose the production could be a little better, but that’s not really a big issue; hardcore punk was meant to be raw and presented in basic fashion.  I just feel like, as great as the songs are written, their sound may have been better presented with different production.  The main thing I’m not nuts about with this album is the lyrics.  While they are clearly honest and delivered with passion (something I can definitely appreciate), they come across as whiny and full of self pity.  Not in a clever or cunning early-Brand-New way, but in more of a 90’s/early 2000’s cheesy-screamo-band way.   I’m not saying you need to be pretentious in a Bad Religion way, but some lines just come across as attention seeking and kind of pathetic (sorry, Buddy).

What would I say?  Buy it.  It’s a real treat and definitely is filling my need for hardcore right now.

Dear Boys Night Out,

     Hey guys haven't heard from you since 2007.  Just wanted to start by saying that.  Because it was four years ago, and frankly, I need something new.  But honestly, I want to be clear, I really enjoyed everything you guys put out.  I’m sure my own opinion doesn’t matter, but I just wanted to go, off the record, and say that you guys are just spectacular and I’m eager to see what else you’ll pull off.  All your older material is still in rotation guys! Just saying...but I digress...

     Having gotten that out of the way, I think the most important thing I want to tell you gentlemen about is the experience I’m having right now on iTunes.  Having gotten to the point that I’ve almost nearly exhausted my Boys Night Out discography (I’m sure I’ll be ready to indulge again soon, though), I was on iTunes searching for the closest thing to your band (besides Belvedere, which I’ve definitely exhausted by now).

Greeley Estates

     Now, I know that human beings do some really messed up things.  Have you seen Blood Diamond?  Let’s not even talk about it.  And we all know there are a lot of terrible things out there, like cholera and the Ebola virus.  I also recently discovered an illness called cyclic vomiting syndrome, which is an awful disease. "Episodes of cyclic vomiting syndrome including severe vomiting, nausea and gagging usually begin at night or first thing in the morning and may include barfing as often as six to 12 times an hour. Episodes usually last anywhere from 1 to 5 days, though  they can last for up to 10 days."  (http://www.body-philosophy.net/10_Most_Disgusting_Diseases_Infections_Syndromes)  I almost acquired this disease when I saw the bands that were being suggested to me from iTunes to suppress my Boys Night Out withdrawal symptoms.  A band called A Thorn for Every Heart was there.  Kay.  Emanuel?  Greeley Estates?  THE STARTING LINE?!  It's not okay.  That wasn't a My Chemical Romance reference.  Come on, fellas, you know I would never...but again, I digress.

A Thorn for Every Heart

     Now that I’ve hovered over my toilet bowl drooling for the past 15 minutes, I basically wanted to write this letter to apologize on behalf of humanity.  I am very seldom willing to represent humans as a whole, but I think we owe you guys.  I’m really sorry about that.  There are people who think you deserve more than to be lumped in with the above stated plus more.  We all hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive us.

     And whenever you want to put something out, seriously, I’m all ears.  Don’t even sweat it, dudes; I know other people want some too.  I love you so much and I can't wait to hang out someday.  XOXO

Yours truly,
220bpm

Boys Night Out