Bayside has been providing the emo kids soundtracks and anthems for the last 20 years. With every album they have released over the years it has provided a snapshot of where they were in their lives, and given us the music to tie our memories to. Sometimes they like to treat fans to stripped down acoustic versions of songs that hit the feels from all new angles. Now with the release of Acoustic Volume Three fans are getting treated to reimagined tracks from even the deepest pages of the catalogue.

The album opens with Light Me Up which is a pretty far reach from their most recent studio album Interrobang. Quite possibly one of the most romantic tracks the band has put out and with an incredible video created with the assistance of their fans. The track showcases the lighter side of the band and Anthony’s vocal range.

The New Flesh originally was featured driving guitars and angsty delivery of vocals. A song that when played live is a fan favorite and is shouted along with. The acoustic version is slowed down and Anthony’s vocals take on a much more melodic flow.

In the middle of the album is Not Fair, which honestly doesn’t feel like it has changed all that much. Its obviously a stripped down version but overall it is very much the same structure and delivery style. That being said it has been such a strong song from the original release. This version feels like the way the song would be if you were hanging with the band and they were pitching a song idea. Its production quality is great, its not what anyone would call a demo in the traditional sense but its the best way to describe this revisited song.

A fan favorite since 2004 has been Poison In My Veins. The new version has a bit of a folk feel to guitars and drums. Anthony’s vocals deliver a clean and clear message. Its an interesting feeling to have a song that you’ve been a fan of and heard live so many times before be revisited by the original artist and transformed in to almost an upbeat and positive spin.

Finally, to close out the album is Prayers. Fans will immediately notice the slower tempo, and less aggressive guitars. Coming from their latest album Interrobang, this track originally a loud, guitar filled, chanty anthem. Somehow converting this track over to an acoustic track really only loses some of the loud in your face edgy-ness. The guitar work is clean, the slower tempo and delivery of the main vocals change the complexion of this song entirely. The background still has the faint chanting “Say your prayers!” which will be huge when they are able to take this out on the road and perform it live.

For 20 years Bayside has presented an outlet for kids, they have been counterculture, and one thing that has always been present in their song writing is authenticity. This real music writing, and ability to let people into the pieces of their lives, as well as giving people a soundtrack that shows that they aren’t alone in their battles. Bayside’s fanbase has often been referred to as a “cult”, even being put on their merch. That “cult” mentality is something that is so powerful, because it gives people a sense of community and when you are the “voice of the depressed” creating a community of fans and showing them that there are others like them is an incredible thing. Bayside has given us 20 years of solid music and community in the Pop-punk & Emo scene and here’s hoping that they give us another 20 years!

Acoustic Volume 3 Tracklisting:

1. Light Me Up
2. The New Flesh
3. Not Fair
4. Poison In My Veins
5. Prayers

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