EP Review: Decay – Modern Conversation

I have seen Liverpool’s Decay described as ’emo newcomers’, which is probably technically accurate but does nothing to pique the interest of the casual listener who may be distracted – and even put off – by easy labelling, even if it is their own doing. It’s a pitfall that being a young male band who sing of real emotions probably tips bands like Decay into often. Forget the ‘scene’ implications and genre clichés, Modern Conversation is a confident and layered piece of work that is full of highlight and detail that recalls, or maybe tips its hat consciously to, some great bands of the not too distant past. I am particularly reminded of Editors in the scale and sound of this EP. There is a similar attention to dynamic detail and an underlying sense of … what is it – regret? Melancholy? I’m not sure, but it makes sense of the depths vocalist Danny Reposar plumbed in his own life to make this EP happen. This is never more evident than in closing track Lullaby in which Reposar lays bare his response to his father’s alcoholism and the life choices it forced him to make in response. This is serious and emotive – not emo – stuff and credit should be given to the writer for not shying away from what is clearly a deeply personal set of circumstances.

Subject matter aside, and on a purely sonic level, this is a great EP. It demonstrates the band’s willingness to explore different soundscapes and not paint themselves into a narrow emo guitar rock corner. Decay are tough cookies and not afraid of making a big, hardcore noise. But it’s an accomplished noise that, melded with that strong poignancy and stark lyrical honesty, lifts this head and shoulders above some of the fluffy ‘I don’t like myself and everything’s my fault’ actual emo nonsense. Raw and polished at the same time. I like it. Modern Conversation is out now on Fox Records. Decay have also announced details of a special EP release show in Liverpool at Sound Basement on the 20th July.

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