Long Island-based Bayside formed in the winter of 2000 and quickly started developing a local following with their melodic brand of moody, guitar-driven emo. They soon hit the road, sharing stages across the United States with bands like
the Alkaline Trio,
Taking Back Sunday, and
Further Seems Forever along the way. Their first release, the EP Long Stories Short, came out on local indie Dying Wish Records in August 2001. Touring continued and the following year Bayside found itself with a slot on Asbury, NJ's Skate and Surf Fest, Birmingham's Furnace Fest, and dates on two weeks of Warped Tour. As with many young bands, various lineup changes occurred throughout the years, and spring 2003 found original members
Anthony Raneri (vocals/guitar) and
Andrew Elderbaum (bass) being completed by
Jim Mitchell (drums) and
Jack O'Shea (guitar). That same summer, they released a split EP with
Name Taken, before signing with Chicago powerhouse Victory Records. Sirens and Condolences, their brooding debut full-length produced by
J. Robbins