Matches, The - Decomposer

[Jason Tate]

The Matches (http://www.absolutepunk.net/thematches) - Decomposer
Record Label: Epitaph Records
Release Date: 9/12/2006

I am going to be up-front with you right now: This band is not for everyone. In fact, there are a good many of you that are going to straight up hate this album. There are quite a few reading this that would probably rather place nails in their ears than ever listen to this band. I, however, am not one of those people. In fact - I think this is one of the best albums to be released this year and one of the most creative and innovative bands to be creating pop/punk/rock music in our, or any, genre.

Combining a variety of styles, musical influences, lyrical themes, and utilizing a smorgas-board of producers, The Matches have crafted an album full of balls-to-the-wall anthems that are sure to raise the temperature on your adrenal gland. Taking the band's already established catchy-pop sound (see: E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals) and applying a few new layers on to the top of it, The Matches' new album starts strong and continually raises the bar with each passing track. The circus-like "Salty Eyes" opens the album and bleeds seamlessly into anthem, after anthem, of angst, grit, determination, and pure unadulterated fun.

Every song stands alone as a unique creation, yet when played together as a whole, the album flows and keeps the listener guessing. Stand out tracks: "Drive" raises your pulse, "Clumsy Heart" infects your brain, "What Katie Said" bites at the tongue, "Lazier Than the Furniture" pushes the sweat glands into overdrive, "You (Don't) Know Me" begs for dancing shoes, "Didi (My Doe Part 2)" forces pogo-like head-bobs, and "The Barber's Unhappiness" tugs at the heart-strings. The band refuses to play it safe, and while they most certainly could have written the next huge pop-punk album and been the next Fall Out Boy - they push themselves musically and creatively. In the end the listener is rewarded with a better album, and the band should be rewarded with a lasting career that extends far beyond being just a theatrical-flash-in-the-pan (catchy) band.

Never writing the same song twice and never falling into any sort of predictable pattern, the album becomes one in which the listener can find something new with each and every listen. Not only is the album smart (and the lyrics devilishly witty), but the songs are fun. Not in a cheesy or forced manner, but in such a way that the obvious excitement and fun that went in to making the album comes across in each song. You can't help but smile. Quite frankly, one of the things I'm looking forward to most is seeing the new songs performed live. The Matches have always had one of the better lives shows I've been privy to seeing. It goes without saying these new tunes were written to be played in front of a sweat-drenched crowd.

This album has become like Say Anything (http://www.absolutepunk.net/sayanything)'s ...Is a Real Boy (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=97070) for me. It's one of those albums you recommend to all of your friends and a few of them love it and a few of them hate it; however, you keep plugging it to anyone that will listen. And with that - I give it my highest recommendation and can assure you it will be highly placed on my end of the year list.

In my opinion, the faults of this album lie only with the ear of the listener. I fully understand the vocal criticisms as Shawn's voice at times registers in the higher octaves, and is certainly not for everyone. Furthermore, I understand that some listeners may not fully grasp some of the off-the-wall lyrical concepts that can be found on this album. There are others, like me, that will find the vocal styling unique and a well needed departure from the current scene clichés. The same can be said for the lyrics.

It's really up to you to decide which category you fit in. I fully expect this album to be extremely polarizing. Love it or hate it - there doesn't seem to be a middle ground. In fact, I think this album's biggest flaw is setting the standard so high that their follow-up won't be able to live up to my newly set expectations.

[SePaMc]

i'm in the crowd that loves this album. Can't wait for the CD release show Friday.

[danielplaysbass]

amazing album (and amazingly accurate review)

[clanker78]

ever since they put the whole album on purevolume, i have not been able to stop listening to the album

now only if i could get a ride to a store to pick it up

damn being a college student with no car!

[llmp]

I'm one of those people who can not stand the singer's vocals...no matter how many times I give them a shot.

[whyte39]

i absolutely love shawn's vocals, and the matches music as a whole. it's one of those albums where you listen til the end and you just dont want it to stop. the anticipation for their follow-up mounts.

[Jason Tate]

I'm one of those people who can not stand the singer's vocals...no matter how many times I give them a shot.
You like No Trigger and Much the Same - so it's okay - we still like a few of the same bands.

[James Johnson]

good review. I am middle ground still on the album. I need to listen to it more first though.

[Chico]

Nice review Jason. This album is definitely different. As of right now, I'm not really liking this album, but I'll give it a few more listens.

[gcore]

good call on the wanting to hear the songs live. i havent heard an album thats made me want to move so badly since midtowns forget what you know.

[Goodbye Forever]

Haven't stopped listening to it since I got it.

[Chris Fallon]

I always enjoy your reviews, Jason. We have the same tastes in music, so your reviews are generally the albums I'm anticipating the most.

I am definitely with you on this - this album is top 3 material for me come the end of the year.

This album has become like Say Anything (http://www.absolutepunk.net/sayanything)'s ...Is a Real Boy (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=97070) for me.

I think this is the "hook, line and sink 'er" quote that will cement people's view on this disc. Hopefully, it becomes as much a classic as the former is.

[Kaystarmaker]

I fully understand the vocal criticisms as Sean's voice at times registers in the higher octaves
...it's Shawn ;)

for the rest, pretty accurate review, and definately one of the best albums this year :)

[jawkneephighv]

this review was fucking amazing, jason. NOBODY reviews like you. i am a huge matches fan [duh i live here in the bay and go to every show they do here] so people might think i'm biased. but i'll be honest, the first listen through i was like "what the hell is this?" and i only really liked the second half of the album. my second listen through i fell in love. i think 'cause the first time i was driving for like an hour and a half to sacramento to visit someone and i wasn't paying attention too much or something. but yeah, i can't wait for the cd release show on friday!!!!!

[Jason Tate]

...it's Shawn ;)

for the rest, pretty accurate review, and definately one of the best albums this year :)
My mistake, fixed. Thank you.

[sdbrown]

This is the first review I've reaad that has done this album justice :) That said, this album is incredible and I can't wait for them to get back from across the pond so they can plan a tour.

[HeadSock]

"This album has become like Say Anything (http://www.absolutepunk.net/sayanything)'s ...Is a Real Boy (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=97070) for me. It's one of those albums you recommend to all of your friends and a few of them love it and a few of them hate it; however, you keep plugging it to anyone that will listen."

Totally agree. I also do wonder how these songs are gonna be live. Like if they do play "Salty Eyes" it better not be in the middle of a sit. Im not a fan when bands do that. Really kills the energy.

[jawkneephighv]

"This album has become like Say Anything (http://www.absolutepunk.net/sayanything)'s ...Is a Real Boy (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=97070) for me. It's one of those albums you recommend to all of your friends and a few of them love it and a few of them hate it; however, you keep plugging it to anyone that will listen."

Totally agree. I also do wonder how these songs are gonna be live. Like if they do play "Salty Eyes" it better not be in the middle of a sit. Im not a fan when bands do that. Really kills the energy.well, i'll find out friday! it seems like they'd open with it.

[danielplaysbass]

Totally agree. I also do wonder how these songs are gonna be live. Like if they do play "Salty Eyes" it better not be in the middle of a sit. Im not a fan when bands do that. Really kills the energy.

they played Salty Eyes first at the CD Release show at GAMH last friday..

[jawkneephighv]

they played Salty Eyes first at the CD Release show at GAMH last friday..sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.

[danielplaysbass]

sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeet.

yeah it was pretty awesome.
you're going friday to slims? i might be there..

[HeadSock]

they played Salty Eyes first at the CD Release show at GAMH last friday..

Thats what I figured would happen. That or come out with it as the beginning of an encore piece.

[SePaMc]

they played Salty Eyes first at the CD Release show at GAMH last friday..
Yeah, and they said between the 2 shows, they will play the whole cd. So my guess is they will close The Barbers Unhappiness and not play Salty Eyes.

While I would love to see Salty Eyes, I think we are guaranteed Didi, Clumsy Heart, My Soft and Deep, and then a couple others, with some E Von Dahl tracks. I hope they play What Katie Said, even though they played it last week...it was a song back when they were called the Locals, so I see that being played.

[jawkneephighv]

Yeah, and they said between the 2 shows, they will play the whole cd. So my guess is they will close The Barbers Unhappiness and not play Salty Eyes.

While I would love to see Salty Eyes, I think we are guaranteed Didi, Clumsy Heart, My Soft and Deep, and then a couple others, with some E Von Dahl tracks. I hope they play What Katie Said, even though they played it last week...it was a song back when they were called the Locals, so I see that being played.hey do you have songs from the locals era? i have a few but i know there are tons more out there and would love them. IM me if you don't mind: youversusjawknee

i too would LOVE to hear what katie said, barber's unhappiness, and papercut skin. i get the feeling even though as you guys said they played salty eyes last week, they'll open with it again.

and yes, i will be there friday at slims!

[TurnOnTheLight]

spot-on review.

i don't know quite why, and i don't know if anyone here will agree, but many parts of this album give me the same vibe i got from Eve 6's Horrorscope, which is exceptionally underrated considering it's a pop-punk/rock masterpiece and is as clever as Decomposer. it's just this feeling of upbeat-even-when-it's-sad, witty, greatness that always manages to put me in a great mood.

overall just one of the best records of the year. my only 'complaint' is that i wish this had come out in May so i could have enjoyed it in the summer.

[Vandal182]

Yeah, and they said between the 2 shows, they will play the whole cd. So my guess is they will close The Barbers Unhappiness and not play Salty Eyes.

While I would love to see Salty Eyes, I think we are guaranteed Didi, Clumsy Heart, My Soft and Deep, and then a couple others, with some E Von Dahl tracks. I hope they play What Katie Said, even though they played it last week...it was a song back when they were called the Locals, so I see that being played.

They played "Didi" at GAMH. I can't wait to hear "You (Don't) Know Me" and "Clumsy Heart" live. While i'm not totally sure, but i think "Clumsy Heart" is an old Locals song too. I have an old version of it. It's completely different (besides some of the chorus). Anyway, great review. Sound very honest.

[piaffeprncess98]

I love this album. Great review.

[Drew Beringer]

Personally, I feel I'm in the middle ground with this, don't love it, don't hate. I have to admit I haven't listened to it a lot, so I'll have to still give it a few more shots. Good review.

[linfieldfc]

Nice review i listened to most of the album on purevolume on monday nite and ordered it straight away. Currently one of the best CDs to come out this yr along with the format TEN and Muse

[linfieldfc]

overall just one of the best records of the year. my only 'complaint' is that i wish this had come out in May so i could have enjoyed it in the summer.

ditto

[Snails]

I love the album. Great review.

[xTJx]

I can't say I'm a fan of this cd, but I did enjoy their previous one a lot.

[unwritten]

I knew this band had it in them to make such a great album. Good review Jason.

[PlusDanny]

I don't love it nor hate it so far. It's just nice, but I haven't found it anywhere near as interesting or creative lyrically as Say Anything's ...Is a Real Boy, but that was a grower, so I'll have to get back a little later and see if it happens with this. It feels a little repetitive and forced at times. Anyways, solid review and I'll keep listening.

[FatJordan]

This album was nothing that I thought it would be.

...but I still really like it.

Well written review too...I was wondering what someone from the site was going to review it. Maybe if another reviewer dislikes it (a far too biased review would be useless) there can be a counter review?

[zbrmike79]

ive been inlove with the matches for years.... got E. Von Dahl with Superman on it... missed TBS at Warped Tour to see them play.... im so happy to see these boys growing up and making such an amazing album

[TBSEmoKid]

Hey I've never heard these guys,but judging on what was reviewed,would it sound anything like Dog Problems(The Format)...cuz If so I'd love this band.

[PlusDanny]

Side note: I do enjoy Salty Eyes and The Barbers Unhappiness quite a bit.

[mr chainsaw]

i took a chance on e von dahl...and loved it...saw them live and they blew me away...but i am having trouble getting into this new album...it may take some time

[vjonnyv]

"Smorgas-board?"

It appears like someone really knows how to use the English language.

[AloneInTheDark]

This album is a middle ground for me right now...I haven't been able to get into half the songs, but the other half, I can't get out of my head. I think it just needs a few more listens.

[|ant|]

I just read the allmusic review, and looks like either you took some of their review, or you just had the same ideas about the album. http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:81jveaw84xh7

Otherwise, good review. I'll give this album a chance, the Say Anything example sold me.

The only thing that gets me so far about the album is "Papercut Skin", I always think he is going to bust out at any time and sing: "My my my my Sharona!!".

[Jason Tate]

"Smorgas-board?"

It appears like someone really knows how to use the English language.

http://www.google.com/search?num=50&hl=en&lr=&safe=off&rls=GGLJ%2CGGLJ%3A2006-24%2CGGLJ%3Aen&q=smorgas+board

Hi, I'm colloquial language.

I just read the allmusic review, and looks like either you took some of their review, or you just had the same ideas about the album. http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:81jveaw84xh7

Otherwise, good review. I'll give this album a chance, the Say Anything example sold me.

The only thing that gets me so far about the album is "Papercut Skin", I always think he is going to bust out at any time and sing: "My my my my Sharona!!".

Never even read the Allmusic review until now, but that's cool that others felt the same way as me.

And I have no idea what the hell you're talking about about My Sharona.

[Adeniz19]

awesome review jason. the more i listen to this album, the more i love it. it kind of makes me upset to see a lot of people hating this album when it's so much more talented/creative then tons of the pop-punk out there today

[EvilButters]

I totally agree with this review. One of the best albums of the year. I was really looking forward to this album and it didn't disappoint. I had heard a few songs live months before the album was released. I recall hearing "Shoot Me In the Smile" and "Clumsy Heart" specifically and finding a video for "Sunburn Vs the Rhinovirus." Amazing album that's incredibly different and unique. I can't say enough good things about this album.

[capnshindig]

My album of the year without a doubt. The Sunburn vs. The Rhinovirus and What Katie Said are incredible songs. The album art is incredible. They put on an incredible show. What more could I ask for?

To me this album is being put up in the ranks of...
Weezer - Pinkerton
Brand New - Deja Entendu
Say Anything - ...is a Real Boy

In the fact that, the first time I heard them I immediatly was like "There is nothing else like this...this is genius."

[bradyreier]

great review jason. i am still loving this album.

[colourofstef]

haha! i've been doing the say anything thing, recommending them to anyone and everyone! Dragging my girlfriend to see them next week supporting motion city soundtrack, going to be fantastic!

[tcemoo]

I love this CD, now. At first I was like 'Eh....' but it got caught in my head and just won't leave.

What Katie Said and Didi are my favorite songs by far. But I'm a sucker for catchy lyrics, heh.

But on a completely unrelated note... am I the only one who thinks Drive sounds like a Good Charlotte B-Side?

Oh, and to the person who said they wanna hear You (Don't) Know Me live... they played it in Milwaukee when I saw them towards the end of May? Might have been April, I forget, but they played that, Sunburn vs The Rhinovirus, and Little Maggots. I remember being weirded out by You (Don't) Know Me. Only reason I know it was that song is because he said they worked on it with Tim Armstrong.

And... I cannot wait to see these songs live. Come to Milwaukee. Right now. Or else.

[westsidas2000]

I completely agree with the first 3 sentences of the review. I absolutely hated this album, yet I actually liked the first CD a lot. Maybe I don't get the point of the album but it was just impossible to find something good abotu this album.

[thelatestplague]

this album is amazing. awesome review! i swear they just get better and better. you cant even compare them.

[J_169]

amazing album. great review.very accurate. what katie said is an sweet ass tune

[ReverendFlavor]

I can't be the only one that heard "Salty Eyes" and immediately started thinking to myself: "Dog Problems 2?" Jason's reviews certainly support it:

(9/14)
"The circus-like "Salty Eyes" opens the album and bleeds seamlessly into anthem, after anthem, of angst, grit, determination, and pure unadulterated fun..."

(5/21)
"'Matches' begins slow with a circus-like musical atmosphere. The tone for the album is set and the track bleeds seamlessly into the next ("I'm Actual")..."

It took me writing that to realize the Format song is called "Matches". My head just exploded

[PlusDanny]

I can't be the only one that heard "Salty Eyes" and immediately started thinking to myself: "Dog Problems 2?"

Oh, with that first track I definitely did and a friend, who's a big Matches fan, called and told me right after he bought it and put it in that he thought that as well.

[funnylittlefrog]

i love it, it's in my top three this year (so far)..i wasn't a big fan of the first one, it had some great songs, but all in all i didn't think it was that special.but this one is just...amazing.

[FstFtsVsFences]

I can barely express how happy I am that this many people are hearing and loving the band that got me into going to shows when I lived in San Jose. These guys continue to amaze me. I'm still working on coming around to this new cd. EVDKTL is up there with Tell All Your Friends as one of my all time favorite cds, so it was tough for me to hear their new stuff sound so different. Yet the more I think about it and the more I listen to Decomposer, the more I realize that this was the best move for them. I love how they're not playing it safe by writing EVDKTL Part 2. This really shows how ballsy and genuine the group of guys are. Gah, I'm so happy.

[Brett9]

It took me writing that to realize the Format song is called "Matches". My head just explodedHa! I realized the same thing the first time I heard that song...I immediately thought of "Matches" by The Format...it reminds me so much of that song, and the name thing is awesome.

As for the CD, Tate, your review is right on the money. I absolutely hated this band's music prior to checking the album out on PV...and now the CD is top 5 for me this year. It's really one of those albums that has that "feel" to it, where you know you're listening to a classic album. Awesome review!

[gonfreaks]

It's well deserving of that score. Amazing album, and will definitely be near the top of my list.

[domesticyeti]

great review, but im not sure how i feel about this cd yet.

[wetwilly00600]

this is an amazing cd. definitely up there for best of the year. i love the guitar tones on didi(my doe pt2)

[NationalProduct]

ever since they put the whole album on purevolume, i have not been able to stop listening to the album

now only if i could get a ride to a store to pick it up

damn being a college student with no car!

you just totally made my day, ill be busy for the next few hours now hehe =)

[spencersface]

Great review Jason. I completely agree with the score and what you said; it is just like Say Anything where some people love it, some people hate it. I didn't notice that before. I happen to love both bands!

Kick ass.

[newfoundmichael]

This album made my top 5 of 2006 so far. It is amazingly catchy and a great listen. Salty Eyes is an amazing song, its just so unique, reminding me of The Early November's opening song on The Mother My Lack Of Skill. Props to The Matches


Top 5 so far this year-

1) The Early November - The Mother, The Mechanic & The Path
2) Protest The Hero - Kezia
3) The Format - Dog Problems
4) Anti-Flag - For Blood And Empire
5) The Matches - Decomposer

Honorable Mention

Underoath - Define The Great Line
Head Automatica - Popaganda
Halifax - The Inevitability Of A Strange World
Bayside - Acoustic

(sorry to post this on here, but I didn't have anywhere else to post it, and I don't know how to put all that stuff under everything that I post)

[notoaststereo]

i needa go pick this up

[FstFtsVsFences]

This album made my top 5 of 2006 so far. It is amazingly catchy and a great listen. Salty Eyes is an amazing song, its just so unique, reminding me of The Early November's opening song on The Mother My Lack Of Skill. Props to The Matches


Top 5 so far this year-

1) The Early November - The Mother, The Mechanic & The Path
2) Protest The Hero - Kezia
3) The Format - Dog Problems
4) Anti-Flag - For Blood And Empire
5) The Matches - Decomposer

Honorable Mention

Underoath - Define The Great Line
Head Automatica - Popaganda
Halifax - The Inevitability Of A Strange World
Bayside - Acoustic

(sorry to post this on here, but I didn't have anywhere else to post it, and I don't know how to put all that stuff under everything that I post)
Go to Tools, then Edit Signature. :thumbsup:

[Alex DiVincenzo]

I loved their first full length but I'm not a fan of this one at all. I'm going to give it a few more tries but I don't think it'll grow on me. Just not my style.

[everyclichexx]

great review.
This is definitely one of my top 5 this year.
Now I just have to cross my fingers and hope to god that my ride comes through for the cd release show tomorrow.

[NJ101]

Good ass review Jason!

This CD is phenominal and like you said, I cant wait to see them live now that its released.

The Matches put on one of the best live shows I've ever seen. To those who do not like the album, I suggest you go out and see them perform it live then let us know what you think :D

[coatbutton]

The great thing about being told that you'll either love or hate an album is that you have a 50/50 shot at finding a new album to love. That said, I love the Matches.

[SorryAboutThat]

This release is really, really different from their last release which seemed to be the same song over and over... they have definitely progressed with a variety of different influences to create an unbelievable follow-up to E. Von Dahl... I definitely recommend their live show to anyone into the album as well... you gotta see these guys live to appreciate the energy of their music

[k04l4]

loved the single in my space

[GoWaitInTheCar]

These songs are either horrible cheesy or good as hell.

Suburn vs. The Rhinovirus is one of my favorite songs this year.

[ultragabe]

Finally and thank you! Great review. I believe Shawn, vocally, really really stepped up. The falsettos can be a bit much at times, but i think it adds to the theme of "pushing the boundaries" that this album really tries to capture. But his range has really expanded from E.Von Dahl to Decomposer. One of my general criticisms of their first album was that it was hard to appreciate most of the songs if you didnt see them live (because they are really amazing live), but with Decomposer, the atmosphere and energy of each song can easily be felt. They did a great job and i hope the best for them because they were really responsible for jumpstarting the bay area music scene.

[|ant|]

And I have no idea what the hell you're talking about about My Sharona.

Are you freakin kidding me? Listen to both songs, the guitar is VERY similar. Thats the first thing I thought of when I heard the first 20 seconds of the song.

[perrone]

Do You Give Everything An Excellent Score For Crying Out Loud

[perrone]

that should be ALL CAPS DAMNIT

[richtiemann]

Nice review, Jason. Haven't listened to any of their stuff before and you've convinced me to give them a spin.

[Jason Tate]

Do You Give Everything An Excellent Score For Crying Out Loud
Actually, yes. I don't have time to review many CDs, so if I'm going to spend my time writing about an album, I'd say 95% of the time it's going to have a positive score and 80% of the time it's going to be one of my top 20 albums of the year.

[permanentdan]

i absolutely love this album. i agree its one of my top albums of the year too. plus when they perform the songs live, theyre incredibly accurate. you will not be let down when you see them. the live show is even more energetic than before which i didnt think was possible. way to go boys. you set the bar pretty fucking high :)

[unholy_amanda]

I've learned to absolutely love this band. Definitely picking up the record when I can afford it.

[takingbackrufio]

What can I say that hasn't already been set in stone? This album is simply amazing - this review is spot on. It has my vote for album of the year, for the time being. Shawn's vocals mesh perfectly, in my opinion ... something that may become known as the Max Beamis effect, but in a very different way. While I do not have a musically trained ear, nor can I effectively distinguish a "good" vocalist from a "great" one, I think the vocals in the Matches' songs take the music to the next level.

[keith]

The Locals! WOOOOHOOO!

[TheBaroness]

I really liked this album. It's fun and different.

[thelocals]

amazing band, amazing album.

[s12hm2n]

so i love the matches dearly and am so pained when i try and get my friends to love them and they just don't. it's true, they are a matter of taste. but anyone who takes the time to get to know them, and to listen a little more closely to their stuff should at least be able to appreciate them.

oh, and your review could not have been more accurate. no one could have said it better.

[noisefloor1989]

I'm glad that vocals typically don't sway my opinion of a band one way or another, because I could picture Shawn Harris' voice getting to me if such were the case. This is an absolutely brilliant album. It's absolutely saturated in heavy hooks and some of the catchiest boysnoise pop punk out of CA. "Sunburn vs. the Rhinovirus" and "Shoot Me In the Smile" have been my favorite songs from day one. The only track that I feel fails is "You (Don't) Know Me", as it reminds me of an earlier My Chemical Romance ballad.

[nathalie.fm]

Great review. I love Didi(My Doe, Prt 2) the most off the CD.

[bummm]

Great cd.

[Theher3tic]

I dont think ive ever heard a more perfect line then 'In my opinion, the faults of this album lie only with the ear of the listener'. In my opinion, you are exactly right. Everything is very unique. Many bands on this site are brutalized because they dont break any ground, the matches are a extremley impressive band in that aspect. From good pop punk to the very original brand of pop punk to their latest more easy going album, this band show that they are capable of whatever they want and not restricted by genres.

[drakey]

Thankfully, the only voices I can't stand are the ones coming from the bands like The Fray, Hinder, Daughtry... and basically any other band that you see coming on to VH1. I love Shawn's vocal ability, because I don't know any other like it. This album is definbately one of my favorites because there just are NO fillers. Every song has it's on style. It's too bad Justin left... he's a great bassist.

[Burn That Shit]

Bought Decomposer yesterday, pretty sweet record. Nice review.

[kiwiprincess]

You know, I did exactly that with Say Anything's "...Is A Real Boy." But I know not many people will love "Decomposer" like I do.

You're my fav reviewer.

[stereokiller]

THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED ALBUMS EVER! *all caps all the way!*

i know it's late. i didn't know Decomposer had a review here in AP.net.

A perfect review IMO. I would've given it a 97%(the 2% being it isn't accessible to everyone), still really accurate and a well-written review.

And now we wait for the fourth release.

[SimplyChaotic17]

I Love this album soo much, shawns vocals just get trapped in my head!
My favorite track is Papercut Skins!

[juice064]

Thank god I was searching through the reviews and stumbled upon this one. This album is amazing!!

[Dre Okorley]

This band needs to come back. They've paved the way for originality, in my opinion.

[DPDurden]

put me down for a big solid "love"