Decahedron - Disconnection Imminent
Reviewed by margaret
Ok, I’ll give Decahedron this: they’re much better than your average testosterone rock. There is some real musicianship going on here. You may not know the band in its current incarnation, but singer Shelby Cinca and drummer Jason Hamacher were members of DC punk legends Frotus, and they added bassist Joe Lally, formerly of Fugazi, to round things out as The Black Sea. But then they had to replace Lally with Unwed Sailor bassist Johnathon Ford and, due to trademark laws, became the current Decahedron. More than just another visit to their punk roots, Disconnection_Imminent offers layered and substantial tracks that are varied and interesting to even the novice fan of this type of music. There are some good harmonies on the record, especially when Cinca doesn’t resort to screaming. “Pay No Mind” builds up tension, winding up tight to the edge leading you to think there’s gonna be some explosion of vocals, but it finishes smooth in sublimated anger. Deep, lush instrumental “Dislocation” calls to mind dark smoky bars and sex. The growling strains of songs like “Lt. Col. Questions Himself” are typical, but they still don’t overpower the record. To me, Disconnection_Imminent is at its best when the band takes it down a notch and really shows their musical depth and passion. Sure, there’s still some chest beating, but there is enough intelligence and substance to make this a good CD on many levels. It might take you a couple of listens to get the full effect, but you’ll be glad you stuck with it. [www.decahedron.net]