Article & photos by: Linda Carlson

Cincinnati, OH – On a Wednesday (hump day), sometimes we need a little something to help get us through the rest of the week, perhaps a little pick-me-up to boost the energy level.  Can three ass-kicking punk rock bands from the New York City area to do the trick?  Hell, yes!

Bayside, from Queens, is headlining their Just Like Home Tour 2023 with openers Koyo, from Stony Brook, and I Am The Avalanche, from Brooklyn.  That’s a lot of NYC punk in one evening, and well worth venturing out to experience!

Koyo started off the evening’s fare. Formed in 2020, the band features Joey Chiaramonte (vocals), Mike Marazzo (guitar), TJ Rotolico (guitar), Harold Griffin (guitar), Stephen Spanos (bass) and Sal Argento (drums).  Their style is definitely a mix of punk with an emo edge and a hardcore kick.

I Am The Avalanche, founded in 2004, are Vinnie Caruana (vocals), Michael Ireland (guitar), Brandon Swanson (guitar), Kellen Robson (bass), and Brett “The Ratt” Romnes (drums).  Their music and stage presence were enthusiastic and energetic, and really set the tone for the evening’s headliner.  Super rapport with the audience, as well.

Bayside capped off the night with a terrific set.  Anthony Raneri (vocals, guitar), Jack O’Shea (guitar), Nick Ghanbarian (bass) and Chris Guglielmo (drums) went all out, with fans fully engaged and crowd-surfing in appreciation.

Formed in 2000, the band has eight studio albums under their belt – plenty of material from which to pull.  They’re currently promoting their upcoming The Blue EP (March 17 drop).  You can check out their latest single “How To Ruin Everything (Patience),” featuring Nine Inch Nails (YouTube link).

How’s this for a packed setlist?

Big Cheese
The Walking Wounded
The Wrong Way
Sick, Sick, Sick
How to Ruin Everything (Patience
Already Gone
They’re Not Horses, They’re Unicorns
Masterpiece
Strangest Faces
Prayers
Numb
It Don’t Exist
Landing Feet First
Megan (Smoking Popes cover)
Duality
Hate Me
Blame It on Bad Luck
Montauk

Encore:
Don’t Call Me Peanut
Go To Hell
Devotion and Desire

The Just Like Home Tour continues into March.  Check for a show near you, either during this tour cycle or the next:  www.baysidebayside.com

Be sure to take a look at the photo carousel below for more photos from the show!