Anthony Raneri
New Cathedrals


3.0
good

Review

by Atari STAFF
August 6th, 2012 | 8 replies


Release Date: 2012 | Tracklist

Review Summary: A collection of 5 better than average songs that fans of Bayside will probably enjoy, but won't love.

With five well-received full-length albums under his belt and his numerous stints at Warped Tour, it's safe to say Anthony Raneri is a well respected figure in the pop-punk community. Few bands in the genre have been able to match the energy and consistency found in Bayside's discography. Much of this is due to Anthony being an incredible vocalist as well as a gifted song writer. For this reason, I had high hopes for his solo EP, "New Cathedrals." And although his first solo effort doesn't disappoint, it doesn't exactly leave a lasting impression.

Packed into this EP are five tracks clocking in at just 16 minutes. While none of the songs are bad, unfortunately this album is lacking the gems that are ever so prevelant on any of Bayside's 5 LP's. Even its best tracks just aren't really up to par with the average Bayside song. Thankfully, there are several musical influences from country to ska which help make "New Cathedrals" more enjoyable. Ironically one of my favorite tracks, 'Lead, Follow, Fail' was actually meant to be on Bayside's latest effort "Killing Time." This suggests maybe Raneri is most effective when he's doing what he knows best; fast-paced, angsty pop-punk.

Even though this is far from Raneri's best work, his vocals do fit these songs quite well. Opener track 'Sandra Partial' has a simplistic country feel to it and his voice sound great. 'Charleston' also proves to be a good fit for him with it's almost ska feel accompanied by Anthony's signature sound. The other two tracks are just more of the same and don't really stand out from the bunch.

All in all, "New Cathedral's" should have been better. The first two songs are enjoyable but in the end none of these songs are amazing. Perhaps it's unfair to compare this to Bayside, but it's inevitable. Having released exceptional pop punk for over 10 years with his band, Raneri set the bar high for this release, and quite frankly he couldn't meet the standards he set for himself. Hopefully next time Anthony Raneri will manage to blow me away. Until then, I'll be listening to the Band that truly showcases his talent as a vocalist, "Bayside."



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user ratings (12)
3.4
great
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Bayside frontman belatedly joins the cavalcade to release a solo record....



Comments:Add a Comment 
Atari
Staff Reviewer
August 6th 2012


28009 Comments


Review #3

Digging: Ceres - Magic Mountain (1996?2022)

Atari
Staff Reviewer
August 6th 2012


28009 Comments


Thanks XGX, I appreciate it. I'd say Sandra Partial is probably my favorite track. But if you don't like Bayside or pop punk I really doubt you'll like it : P

Atari
Staff Reviewer
August 6th 2012


28009 Comments


Yeah, that song definitely has a different feel to it, glad you like it. I have yet to hear Bon Iver I really need to get on that.

Atari
Staff Reviewer
August 6th 2012


28009 Comments


Listend to Skinny Love. Great song. Let me know if there's any other songs by him you recommend.

Atari
Staff Reviewer
August 6th 2012


28009 Comments


Cool, I'll check out that link in a bit


LifeAsAChipmunk
August 7th 2012


4852 Comments


Killing Time ruled.

Atari
Staff Reviewer
August 7th 2012


28009 Comments


@chipmunk, you'd prolly like the song 'Lead, Follow, Fall' if you liked Killing Time

Atari
Staff Reviewer
August 7th 2012


28009 Comments


Just edited this some. Any feedback welcome.



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