Bayside - The Walking Wounded

Tragedy is often a catalyst for many things. A fantastic rock album is not one of the first things that would come to most people's mind, but that is exactly what it did for Long Island, NY's Bayside. In the wake of the death of drummer John "Beatz" Holohan the band chose to press on and released one of the more moving live EPs I've heard in last year's Acoustic. But with The Walking Wounded, Bayside has proven that they've also become a better band. Choosing to not dwell on the sadness, they instead create what is actually the most uplifting album of their career (due, in large part, to frontman Anthony Raneri's recent marriage). It still sounds dark (thank you Morrissey) and melancholy, but still manages to move you. [www.myspace.com]