11811 Album Review

Decortica’s last album, the stunning Love Hotel, showcased their unique sound, drawing on elements of rock and metal to create something that sat somewhere in between, yet almost transcended both genres. It garnered them some attention, through a couple of well-produced videos, but they never really seemed to take off in a big way. It’s a shame, because this is a band that deserves to be heard.

Their latest offering, the numerically titled 11811, should provide that boost for them. It takes that same Decortica sound but refines it further – this is a tightly crafted, huge sounding album. It’s the kind of album that you listen to, then immediately want to play again.

The rhythm section seems darker on this album than on Love Hotel, although that never seems to translate into a heavier sound – it’s a more driven and relentless sound, rather than more aggressive. And the soaring vocals that are a trademark of Decortica’s sound seem to be used more strategically here. There are less of those parts, but when they hit you take notice.

There’s a great synergy between frontman Mathew Bosher, and drummer Tory Staples (bassist Antoinette Lee left before the album was recorded) that shows through in the music, as they feed of each other and create spaces for the different instruments to develop the tunes. Their time spent playing together, and they seem to have been playing a lot, between albums looks to have paid off musically.

It’s hard to pick a standout from an album packed full of great songs, but Reservoir and Helix would have to be my top picks so far – they’re both powerful songs, catchy and memorable. There’s been a lot of great local music released this year, but I think I’ve just found my new favourite.