EP: The Decoy 'Parasites' - GigslutzGigslutz

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Fresh onto the alt-rock scene are welsh trio The Decoy, who have described their sound as a blend of early Biffy Clyro with melodic tech rock influences, and a touch of The Police’s reggae sound. In order to live up to this description they’ve delivered a four song EP, Parasites, to prove their credentials, and have given new listeners quite a lot to think about.

While the vocals sound a little unrefined at times, the lyrics are catchy, angsty and on point. Opening track ‘Moustache Cash Dash’ is infectious and fitting in its words and groovy rocky sound. The upbeat rhythms and sporadic structure make for hella fun listening, and you’ll be humming “I just want to waste my time” in a few days’ time without realising.

Follow up track ‘Vultures’ is a song about the ladies, or namely boys trying to take your lady. The vibe is grungier and pleasingly clunky, ridden with sudden dips and mini breakdowns. Heavier, angrier and yet chant-able and catchy from the off. What starts to show is the bands dynamic and vivacious approach to song writing which, if polished, could turn into something hit worthy.

The EP’s namesake track, ‘Parasites’, takes a little turn, with a morose and downbeat start overlaid with extra-poetic lyrics. The song quickly builds, however, into a high energy and shouty sound attack which is convoluted and complex in its rhythms. The angst and hardcore influences show through in this track in the guitar riffs and sudden breakdowns. The track is intentionally uncomfortable and operates well outside any single genre.

The best track on the EP, however, is ‘Andyouism’, which finishes this complex musical assault on a cool and pleasant note. The track is grungy and catchy, with definite Biffy and Police influences strongly showing through at odd points. The steady beat and thick vocals are enticing and uplifting, a song that sounds ready for stages. Alt tech sounds feature throughout, creating a sound almost reminiscent of Enter Shikari at times.

What we get from this release then is an all-over-the-place blend of post-rock, hardcore and alternative influences which is then condensed into a seemingly sporadic EP-shaped package. Unrefined sums up everything neatly, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Their approach is unconstrained and exciting, and let’s hope a few EPs down the line we will start to hear a boiled-down version of what makes Parasites so cool to listen to.

Parasites is out now via Ghoulish Records.