Into The Raging Sea is Broadside’s strongest work thus far

After two amazing albums, I was so worried that Broadside’s third effort wouldn’t be able to live up to the hype I created for it in my mind. But I am here to say that I had absolutely zero reasons to worry. I can’t say enough good things about Into The Raging Sea. 

The lyrics, the vocals, the killer guitar riffs - all of it is perfect. 

The album is such a journey. The strength of that journey lies in the lyrics; because of this fans will hold on to these songs for years to come, and I would not be surprised to see some dedicated fans getting these lyrics tattooed as soon as the album is released.  

Into The Raging Sea is about persistence and resistance. It’s about finding strength and purpose even in the most trying of times. Fans will be able to relate to so much of the story of the record, especially now. 

Ollie Baxxter has told us from the beginning of Broadside that he’s a storyteller; and he and the rest of the band thoroughly delivered on Into The Raging Sea. 

“The Raging Sea,” “Clarity,” “The Setting Sun,” and “Burning At Both Ends” will be instant fan-favorites. “Nights Alone,” “Dancing On The Ceiling (With You),” “Seasons,” and “Breath You In” will be featured on every summer pop-punk playlist. "Foolish Believer," "Heavenly," and "Overdramatic" will translate so well for a live performance.

(Wow, do I miss live music. Dear Broadside, please be my first show back.) 

I danced. I cried. I danced some more through the tears. Some songs gave me chills. Some songs made me want to scream/sing my lungs out.  Into The Raging Sea is so versatile; every song on this album has something to offer. 

Broadside has never lacked authenticity in their work but this record feels like a new era of honesty for the group. It’s like they’ve figured out exactly what they want to say and they’re not struggling with the delivery anymore. It’s like they’re experiencing a new sense of freedom with these songs and it’s exciting to witness. 

The record hones in on the strengths of Broadside’s first two albums. It matches the aggression and drive of Old Bones (2015) with the playfulness and witty lyricism of Paradise (2017). Into The Raging Sea is the Broadside album that demonstrates their growth and evolution as a band. They have taken what they’ve learned from the processes of their first two albums and they’ve used those lessons to create something really powerful. 

Into The Raging Sea is honest. It’s heartfelt. It’s dynamic. It’s entirely Broadside. 

https://youtu.be/WBY5QtZawFQ

This truly is a Broadside album through and through. No other band could have made Into The Raging Sea and it wouldn’t exist without Old Bones and Paradise and all the ups and downs that came with those album cycles. It was a journey to get to Into The Raging Sea and that journey is reflected in the record. 

I can safely say that Into The Raging Sea is my favorite album of the year. I haven’t stopped listening to it and I don’t know if I will stop anytime soon. I am physically unable to skip any single song, that’s how good they all are. (To give you an idea, this album has 11 songs, and eight of them are tied for my favorite.) 

Do yourself a favor and listen to Broadside’s masterpiece Into The Raging Sea when it is released on July 24th via SharpTone Records. Pre-orders are available here.