Anthony Raneri has made a career out of fronting Queens, New York alternative rock quartet Bayside. And although many scoff at the idea that one could make a career out of art, arguing it convolutes the original purpose of self-expression, there is something admirable about making it. Alas, there comes a time in every artist’s life when “hiding” behind a band name becomes so restrictive that a lead singer needs to blow off some steam. In Raneri’s case, the build-up of folk-tinged pop music became too much for Bayside to hold within, so he decided to take that “solo” step. His debut, New Cathedrals, is a testament to his confidence and perseverance. 

New Cathedrals is certainly a departure from Raneri’s day job. Flowery and flowing, the sunny EP kicks off with the infectious “Sandra Partial.” Buoyed by a brilliant chorus, the track draws a clear line in the sand between Raneri’s Bayside material and this new pop project. The track also showcases clear and near-perfect production, which is a highlight throughout the five-song New Cathedrals. Raneri’s unique voice, always under control and rather powerful, adopts surprisingly well to the indie pop sound of the EP. The bouncy “Charlestown” and the acoustic “Please Don’t Leave” find Raneri trading in his aggressive vocals for a more subtle, complimenting coffee shop voice with much success. Alas, the latter falls victim to disappointing lyrical fare, best described as a mix between boyish love and abject desperation. 

Raneri is not breaking any new ground with New Cathedrals. Much like many of his contemporaries (Dustin Kensrue, Anthony Green, etc.) Raneri has elected to head in a more organic, acoustic direction for his side project. This ultimately is a strike against New Cathedrals. The EP is forgettable. It has some nice tracks, perfect for Spring mornings, but when it really comes down to it, the listener will easily skip over Raneri’s name when searching for something to listen too.  He would be well advised to take a stab at something more experimental if and when he decides to craft new material. Yet, despite the lack of groundbreaking originality, and minus a misstep here or there (“The Ballad of Bill The Saint”), New Cathedrals proves that Anthony Raneri has a promising future as a solo artist, if he so chooses to follow that path. 

★★★.5/★★★★★

*This review was composed by Mike Meeze