If you like suicide, black, Goth poetry and take it seriously stays away from this record. Yes Bayside returns. I am happy actually, and I think you will be too. This is musically poppier than SIRENS AND CONDOLENCES, but lyrically a shade darker. The songs just seem to keep moving a faster pace and there is less Smoking Popes riffing. That is just fine. I think that if you liked the first one, you'll dig this as well. It is just a poppier Bayside, but not in a bad way. The energy the first record seemed to be short on is in full abundance here.... no slump here either.