Decyfer Down Crash
by Leyla Hamedi
Staff Writer
Back in 1998 this album probably would’ve been at the top of the nu-metal/rock charts. Tortured lead singer that can wail soulfully then switch to angry, writing-off-all-mankind mode? Check. Simple chord changes but with multiple guitars to make it sound more powerful? Check. Token reverb-laden acoustic breaks? Check.
Though it seems the North Carolina quartet have all the clichés down, Crash does have some surprises. “Desperate,” is a radio-friendly rock song with smooth, quick, and almost poem-like verses that will get stuck in your head. Although the middle bridge slows it down, “Ride With Me,” has a catchy, riff-laden intro with your standard concert-anthem sing-a-long chorus and harmonizing vocals.
Of course there has to be a ballad. “Best I Can,” is the Creed-like introspective look into that mysterious thing we call life. The inspiration for this record came from a near-fatal car accident that involved the entire band, hence the album title, and it’s clear the incident had some effect. The theme throughout seems to be moving on, getting strong, being yourself. A refreshing change from all those ‘90s bands that whine about being a freak on a leash and sticking that cookie up your “yeah.” And yet they’re not preaching, which is appreciated.
Most of the album keeps the energy up but the slower songs like, “Forever With You,” really upset the pace. It seems like they’ve been added to pad out the album, and give it more credibility because ballads equal sincere emotions right? Not the case, Decyfer Down shines when the adrenaline is flowing and lag when the harmony attempts to be pretty.
The rest of the album is rounded out by equally mellow rock, balancing surging blasts of guitar with more melodic filler. Although Decyfer Down doesn’t really wow with originality, they’re a good band for those into the current radio rock genre that boasts bands like Nickelback or 3 Doors Down.
Label: Columbia/INO Records
Band Members:
TJ Harris- vocals/guitar
Josh Oliver- drums
Brandon Mills- guitar
Chris Clonts- guitar
Track Listing:
Crash
Desperate
Fading
Best I Can
Ride With Me
Wasting Away
Over My Head
Moving On
The Life
Forever With You
Hardrock Haven rating 6.5/10