Bayside brings Vacancy to Philly on the eve of the album’s release
Bayside | Photo by Sydney Schaefer for WXPN | sydneyschaeferphotos.com
Earlier this month, NYC punks Bayside, set out on a month-long North American tour with support from The Menzingers and Sorority Noise. The band is on tour in support of their newest album, Vacancy, which came out just a few days ago, August 19th, on Hopeless Records. This stellar tour made its way to Philly on the eve of Vacancy‘s release, making for one hell of a show by all three bands on the bill.
Sorority Noise | Photo by Sydney Schaefer for WXPN | sydneyschaeferphotos.com
Sorority Noise | Photo by Sydney Schaefer for WXPN | sydneyschaeferphotos.com
The Menzingers | Photo by Sydney Schaefer for WXPN | sydneyschaeferphotos.com
First to play were the Hartford, CT sad boys of Sorority Noise. Now, if you’ve never seen these dudes perform live, I highly recommend you do because the energy they exert on stage is literally contagious. This wasn’t my first time seeing them, but they get better and better every time. I’ve only seen a few bands get into their music as much as these guys do. With the amount they’re jumping and screaming to their songs, the more you will as someone in the audience will too.
Playing songs off of their newest release, Joy, Departed, which came out in June of last year, as well as hits off of their debut full length, Forgettable, which is truly and unforgettable album. “Black Hair, Black Lungs” is a personal and fan favorite off of the debut album, but to hear it performed live is a completely different story. When frontman Cameron Boucher starts to scream the chorus and those manic words — “SO I DROVE HOME AT A HUNDRED MILES AN HOUR, JUST TO SEE WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO FLY. AND I CRASHED MY CAR INTO SOMEONE ELSE’S BACKYARD, JUST TO SEE WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO DIE” — chills will be instantly sent down your spine.
Next to play were the local Philly punks that make up The Menzingers, who always put on a great show. They played songs off of their hit 2014 release, Rented World, which includes the personal and fan favorite, “I Don’t Wanna Be An Asshole Anymore.” Whenever these guys play this song, the crowd goes absolutely nuts. Trust me, I’ve seen it before.
Bayside | Photo by Sydney Schaefer for WXPN | sydneyschaeferphotos.com
Bayside | Photo by Sydney Schaefer for WXPN | sydneyschaeferphotos.com
Finally, Bayside took the stage, and it was electric from start to finish; bouncing around, jumping and riffing, getting every single person in the crowd off their feet. Playing songs off of the newest release, Vacancy, as well as some of their early 2000s hits, it was a great night to be a Bayside fan. Check out more photos from the show this past Thursday, August 18th, at the Electric Factory, below!