Wednesday, July 27, 2011

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.

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