The Matches - Decomposer
(2006)

Review by Max Roach

The Matches are one of those annoying over hyped bands from the US (like there are any other types of band from there!), who have succeeded thanks to a rigorous amount of self promotion and a good dose of sellout local tours in their hometown of Oakland (due largely to the fact they were smart enough to do underage gigs leading up to the album launch).

"Decomposer", the eagerly anticipated follow up to their well received EP "E Von Dahl Killed The Locals", has changed The Matches image quite drastically, obviously eager to cash in on the success of Panic At The Disco, with extended electronic segments that just seem to pop up mid-song followed by ridiculous  stacatto heavy guitars.

The Matches show a good deal of potential but with their various stabs and nods to a variety of different styles, although at times it seems that perhaps they haveover-shot the mark a bit. 

The album begins with the lullaby style happy-go-darkness tune Salty Eyes then carries onto an electronic-emo crossover song that, at best, could entertain the most nonchalant of listeners. 

Their most played song on the radio at the moment, What Katie Said, shows the depth of youth and (an odd criticism of this genre of band) immaturity within the band - a song later on in the album, Shoot Me In The Smile, is another prime example as it really did make me laugh hysterically while shaking my head at the same time. Unfortunate really.

With little reprieve, this album delivers a touch of something for everyone, however somehow has the ability to leave a whole lot of nothing in its stead.

Perhaps their tour with Reel Big Fish (remember the house band from the Trey Parker flick BASEketball?) has rubbed off immensely on these guys - and much to their detriment.

In Sunburn, the guys refer to blowing their brains out quite a bit, but it hasn't made headlines just yet. One could only hope...

If you're a Panic At The Disco! fan, or you don't mind the odd emo/pop crossover, you'll feel right at home with this. But if you're looking for something a tad more substantial, perhaps head elsewhere.

RATING: 2.5 out of 5