By Madeline Kerins
The editorial review on amazon.com of Decibully’s Sing Out America claims that even the occasional passerby would be lured into checking out the album solely on its cover art. Coincidence, that’s how this reviewer found the latest edition to their CD collection.
Though their sound is difficult to describe at first, it can be best expressed as this-a culmination of everything that is good about indie, emo and acoustic rock. For something randomly grabbed off the Tower Records shelf with little interest or background on the band, it invites listeners with its unique and satirical artwork, then once inside begs them to stay with twangy banjos and rolling drums.
Their second full-length release, Decibully really seem to be out to make it to the charts this time around. No matter your taste in music, at least one of the eclectically wonderful tracks on this disc has to appeal to you. The aforementioned banjos and drumbeats on “Megan & Magill” are accompanied by a clapping undertone that makes you want to bust into a foot stomping hoedown. It’s just that exciting.
While their sound can be likened to a bevy of other artists, they way they blend (intentionally or unintentionally) all of these sounds together is what, ironically, makes them unique. Not too hard, not too soft, not too indie, not too mainstream. Just perfect. Just right. The only track that doesn’t flow is “Temptation,” which isn’t bad, but just doesn’t seem to mesh musically.
And, of course, they have mastered the art of the oh-so-powerful marketing tool that is leftist political views. Judging by the back cover, a black and white satirical photo of a front yard adorned with American holiday decorations, it seems as though Decibully have a dismal view on the typical American suburbia.
This is further enforced on the track “Notes To Our Leaders”, in which lead singer William J. Seidel cringes on, “Welcome to the States / Well, here is your flag and your minimum wage / Be grateful for what you’re given… / There is money to be made / Just be grateful for where you’re living.”
Politics aside, this disc warm even the coldest of stone Republican hearts. It’s country vibe mixed with indie edge makes for one of the best releases of the spring, hands down.