Every once in a while we miss something special. It happens to all of us, and I think today we should talk about something from January that I missed- let’s talk about Decoy’s ripper of an EP “Re:Selection.”
Rising from the gritty underbelly of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Decoy has unleashed their explosive EP, “Re:Selection,” a sonic barrage that takes no prisoners. Released just in January, this trio of tracks serves as a manifesto of raw, unbridled energy, echoing the chaos and catharsis of metalcore giants like Converge and Hatebreed with a fresh, visceral twist harkening influence from newer bands like Knocked Loose, Idols and Illusions, and it’s very clear that they grew up drinking the same water as fellow Louisianians Brat.
Engineered and mixed by the astute Kyle Eroche at Lantern Light Recordings, “Re:Selection” cuts through the noise with surgical precision. Each track—'Personality Program', 'Smg', and 'Natural Selection'—is a finely crafted piece of aggression, blending relentless riffs with pummeling drums and Jonah Smith’s guttural vocals (welcome back!) that demand your attention and refuse to let go.
The opening salvo, 'Personality Program', shares a digital-age nightmare that critiques our social media obsessions with a ferocity that’s as thought-provoking as it is mosh-worthy. Smith's lyrics, "Swipe till you find your faction," echo the modern malaise of digital validation seeking, wrapped in a package of explosive beats and shredding guitars.
'Natural Selection' takes this a step further, exploring the brutal reality of survival in a world that feels increasingly apocalyptic. The track is a raw examination of human frailty against a backdrop of societal decay—a theme that resonates deeply in our current climate.
What sets Decoy apart is their ability to fuse intense personal storytelling with broader socio-political commentary, all while delivering a sound that’s both innovative and nostalgic. It's clear that with “Re:Selection,” Decoy isn't just revisiting the roots of metalcore; they're digging up the entire tree and replanting it for a new generation….let’s see what grows from here.