Decoder
The Talent Farm
Pembroke Pines, FL
October 23, 2011
Review and Photos by Ashley Solage
Florida natives Decoder brought their ambient sounds down to Pembroke Pines. Playing songs from their self-titled debut album Decoder, they took on a tough crowd of what seemed like uninterested teenagers.
Most of the people there just came to support their friends in local bands who were opening up for Decoder. These bands included Reverie, Vice and Virtue, Thieves Are Watching, Behold the Men and All the Kings Men. My favorite one was Reverie. For some reason, they performed on the actual ground instead of the stage. They had great “stage” presence, and for a band I had never heard of, they were able to capture my attention enough to want to hear more. The other bands had a surprisingly large following, with kids singing (and sometimes screaming) along with the vocals.
Kieth Jones - Decoder Vocalist
As Decoder took the stage, vocalist Keith Jones asked all straggling teens to get up and jump. One thing that surprised me the most was their sound in general. Watching Decoder live was almost like listening to a recorded track. As a band, they were able to stay true to their post-hardcore vibe, as well as contribute a unique experimental feel that could only be appreciated live. They managed to evoke a sense of euphoria with their music that I’ve never felt with any other band. Each band member was originally part of other bands, but they came together with a will to sound different. This aspect helps me have a certain respect for Decoder. They managed to sound so different from any band I’ve ever heard; it’s hard for me to even categorize them into one specific genre. The only band that seems to come close is ISIS. Although Decoder hasn’t been around for nearly as long as ISIS (20 years), they are quickly following the same path, as they continue to gain countless fans.
They were able to stay true to their post-hardcore vibe, as well as contribute a unique experimental feel that could only be appreciated live. They managed to evoke a sense of euphoria with their music that I’ve never felt with any other band.
Decoder
The song that seemed to attract the most attention was "Transcendence." As soon as guitarists Jack Burns and Anthony Sepe strummed the first chords, Decoder fans stampeded across the venue. Fans jumped at the opportunity to sing into the mic as Keith teased them. Being a fan of Decoder, I was very pleased with their humility. They joked with fans after the show and even offered to lower the prices on some merch.
Brent Guistwite - Decoder's Drummer
Although they put on a great show, Decoder’s set seemed to only last a disappointing 30 minutes. With strict venue rules and underage fans, the Sunday night show was cut short as Decoder ended with one of their first singles, “Dreamwalker.” They walked off stage thanking everyone in the room, even the people who didn’t like them.
Starting October 29, they will embark on a North American tour, taking on major cities like Brooklyn (NY), Chicago, Atlanta and Las Vegas, as well as cities in between. Make sure you check them out if you want to be “decoded!”
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