“I know who’s got my back when push comes to shove.“
Since their release of World of Bayway in the latter end of 2022, Bayway have been nothing short of relentless when it comes to releases and their sound. Their aggressive beatdown sound has been knocking skulls since then and reached an extended form on LP, World Of Bayway: Volume 2, which combined the best of their previous discography with some tough new material. Just as listeners have been able to catch their breath, Bayway are now back with EP Word Is Bond, and now even in 2024 look to remind us they are one of the best hard-hitters stateside.
It doesn’t take much time before the double-kicks and popping snare commands opener and title track “Word Is Bond“. Even as the fury inducing breakdown hits, it’s the sheer aggression from the sticks and the pedals that give a force to it. This isn’t to take away from Jay Way‘s vocals – as the EP continues on “Domino Effect“, this voice becomes the leading element. The now established rap blend with harsh vocals gives a breadth to the tracks that is difficult to be matched by any recent release.
As “Namesake” continues to show, there is fight and aggression here, yet it’s done in compact and solid manner. Genres beyond hardcore can fall into the tracks of, ‘heavy for the sake of heavy’, yet Way‘s vocals give a cause with their intense lyricism and performance give the feral kicks and riffs a fitting sense. “More Than Blood” is a movers dream, two-step beats aplenty with mic-grabbing worth vocals and spin kick worthy moments.
The title of “Bayway Anthem” comes as you’d expect, a proud New Jersey track, that will no doubt become an anthem for those blessed to be from that part of the world. It closes off what a tight, furious and deeply enjoyable EP. Bayway NJ have a sense of knowing their sound and dynamic, of beatdown fury packed with sheer aggression, that is difficult not to be drawn into by how dumb-heavy and well-done it is. Those looking for anthems to get the adrenaline coursing or a record to let steam off to, they need not look further than Word Is Bond.
7.5/10
Word Is Bond is out May 10th via DAZE and can be pre-ordered here.