The Matches
Decomposer
5/5

This is the type of album writers love to write about. With so many colourful and unique cuts, each completely diverse, we don’t know where to begin.

We could begin by telling you that the Matches’ previous release, E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals, was a very well done, yet simply pop-punk album and that with their new album, Decomposer, sees them expanding to be musicians capable of nailing lip biting melodies, eye quenching solos, and pretty much anything they set their minds to. Really.

Who would have known the band could pull off songs as instantly gratifying for listeners as the driving catchy pop tune “Didi (My Doe Part 2)” or the Bowie-esque opening ballad “Salty Eyes” that will surely will be spotted in a few screen names. After all lyrics like, when you belong to a song, you belong, are lines everyone wish they could write.

Each track takes on a new style, whether it be twangy synth clap-alongs like “You (Don’t) Know Me” or rock and roll angled chuggers like “Drive,” they nail it and prove why a band like The Matches will not permit a spot on the sidelines in the post-punk rock and roll scene. Singer Shawn Harris has a twisting voice that embodies eloquence with each line he flawlessly spews. Each member gives their all to each track and you can feel the sweat and hard work pouring out your speakers. Especially on cuts like the Mark Hoppus produced revolutionary “Sunburn Vs. the Rhinovirus.”

The Matches worked with nine or more different producers for this album, all rather notable. Each track has a different vibe yet still comes together. Tim Armstrong (of Rancid/Transplants fame), Hoppus (who produced three of the songs), Nick Hexum (311), and Brett Gurewitz (Epitaph ringleader and Bad Religion frontman) all leant their expertise to the project.

What the finished product sounds like is an extremely immaculate sophomore release from a band that could one day, in all honesty, rule the world. 


Track Listing:

1. Salty Eyes
2. Drive
3. Papercut Skin
4. Clumsy Heart
5. Little Maggots
6. What Katie Said
7. Sunburn Vs. the Rhinovirus
8. Lazier than Furniture
9. Didi (My Doe Part 2)
10. You (Don’t) Know Me
11. My Soft and Deep
12. Shoot Me in the Smile
13. The Barbers Unhappiness

- Sari Delmar 

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