It seems like South Wales is truly ablaze with exciting emerging talent right now, not that the area has ever been slow in producing striking and very often impressive propositions. The past months, indeed couple of years though has seemingly seen a new flood of adventurous bands and sounds to wake-up and capture the imagination. Few bands and releases have whipped up ears and passions as potently and excitingly as The Decoy with the Parasites EP though. The Cwmbran trio’s new four-track incitement is a raucous fire of sound and flavouring, a fiery storm of alternative rock ‘n’ roll which fills in the gap still there since the demise of Reuben whilst creating its own agitated pop infused creative brawl. There are certain times it is impossible not to get a little excited and the release of Parasites is one of those moments.
Consisting of guitarist/vocalist Lewis “Biffy” Barber, bassist/vocalist Joel Williams, and drummer/vocalist Luke Blake, The Decoy since forming in 2009 has been steadily brewing up a loyal fan base and increasing attention. Shows with the likes of Attack! Attack! [UK] and Press To Meco confirmed the band as an aggressively alluring live presence whilst a self-titled EP and a second called Mirrors, established the band’s sound as one to watch and simultaneously get fully engaged with. Parasites is another level to what has come before though, a coming of age for the sound and songwriting of the band whilst still retaining the mischievous and volatile adventure to both aspects which has already helped the threesome stand out.
The swift jab to the ribs of opener Moustache Cash Dash reveals the new plateau breached. From the initial roar of vocals across the whole band, the song has ears and attention gripped, that first flame of voices the trigger to a rowdy stomp of unpredictable hooks and twists aligned to a flirtatious swagger and pop seeded contagion. With the two minute mark a distant glimpse, band and song are as lyrically and vocally bright as they are technically and inventively resourceful, creating a busy proposal which just captivates from start to finish.
The following Vultures is equally as magnetic, its rhythmic shuffle a highly persuasive introduction leading to a web of bass and guitar enticement as jagged as it is fluid. There is funkiness to the agitated stroll of the song too, especially in the bass swing, whilst its core sound comes over as agitated and irritable as the centre of the lyrical relationship explored. Again the creative magnetism cast is irresistible as the band shows the variety in their ingenuity as another already established essence finding new heights, and proven again by Parasite. The third track caresses ears and hugs thoughts with a great vocal and melody rich ambience initially; it’s almost haunted nature a gentle coaxing which suddenly expels a roar of angst and volatile energy. There is a certain creative theatre to the song, a dramatic ingenuity which makes every twist from a gentle vocal kiss to a fierce spilling of rage musically and lyrically, a breath-taking and unique endeavour. The track is superb, as all of the tracks, and quite outstanding in its very distinct and individual presence within the EP.
The release is concluded by ANDYOUISM, the rawest, fuzziest slice of voracious pop rock you will have the treat of coming across this year outside of Parasites. Rhythms pound from the off, the senses virtually shuddering at their potency, whilst effect clad vocals sizzle in ears as the guitar slips its own fierce simmer of sonic tenacity around it all. There is a touch of Engerica to the encounter; a dark intrigue like the now demised band used to express, a striking hue to the infectious furnace of imagination stoking drama. Simply it is an ingeniously imposing and scintillating end to an equally masterful release.
Parasites is from first note to last, an outstanding proposition, something to stir up the passions and bring a fresh and invigorating adventure to the British rock scene. A new signpost has been set down in the rise of The Decoy but there is still the feeling that we have not heard anything yet.
The Parasites EP is available now via Ghoulish Records @ https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/parasites-ep/id991452997
https://www.facebook.com/TheDecoyUK https://twitter.com/TheDecoyUK
RingMaster 28/05/2015
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