Bayside at the Regent Theater

Downtown LA’s Regent Theater was straight up sucker punched with some punk-driven tunes this past Wednesday night. NYC’s pop-punk rock n’ rollers Bayside ripped through the stage with support of opening act The Menzingers.

Kicking off the heavy festivities, The Menzingers started the night on a fierce foot. Part of the Epitaph Records family, these proud Philly boys got the crowd worked up. Their sound is a pure punk punch to the gut. We got to hear some of the band’s classics such as “The Obituaries” and “Casey,” along with their latest single, “Lookers.” Honestly, you couldn’t keep these guys feet planted to the stage if you tried. The Menzingers’ definitely proved fun and strong, and had the fans even more pumped for Bayside.

With The Menzingers off the stage, the crowd instantly came closer together and cozied on up to experience their favorite rock band slay. And that’s exactly what happened! Bayside was here! This killer group of friends know how to rock. Led by the ever so beloved Anthony Raneri, Bayside ripped through and epic set. Opening up with fan-favorite track “Sick, Sick, Sick,” off the 2011 release, Killing Time, the guys were truly welcomed with cheering and smiling, while singing all together.

What I love most about this band has to be their attitude. The punk factor is carried out in their stage presence which is totally glossed up with Raneri’s distinctly rich and melodic vocals. All fans would agree that the band is back better than ever with their latest album release, Vacancy. They do seem to grow on their talents in every record.

The one thing that we have absolutely come to expect with Bayside is their consistent love for what they do. That won’t change. It shows in every performance, and I’ve yet to experience different. The night continued swinging with all their beloved classics such as “Montauk” and “Devotion and Desire.” And what do you know? Ending one song and going straight into it, the band did a ridiculous cover of “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. Come on! What can’t these guys do. Keep on keeping on, fellows.

Photography & Words: Danielle Gornbein