Crash (CD - 2009)

One of the premier Christian rock bands of the late '00s, Decyfer Down hone their post-grunge sound even further on the 2009 Billboard charting debut CRASH. While Decyfer Down are serious about their faith, songs such as "Fading" hit all of the key secular rock touchstones--from crunchy guitars and booming drum work to lead singer TJ Harris's earnest Vedder-inspired vocals--and concern the faith and perseverance needed to simply get through life. Indeed, this is an idea most can appreciate regardless of religious affiliation.

Following the departure of frontman Caleb Oliver, Decyfer Down enlisted the talents of T.J. Harris -- former vocalist for North Carolina's Fighting Instinct -- to fill the gap. Harris proves to be a nice addition to the group, as his voice is comprised of equal parts grungy grit and passionate, God-fearing catharsis. Decyfer Down take strength in that presence, and Crash aligns itself with albums by such similarly styled bands as Puddle of Mudd and Breaking Benjamin. Heavy guitars and fist-pumping, carpe diem lyrics are championed by all of those groups, and at no point does Crash sound like the work of an overtly Christian outfit. The problem, however, is that Crash sounds a bit too similar to Decyfer Down's secular contemporaries, whose songs are often interchangeable in their fondness for minor-key verses, anthemic choruses, and studio-enhanced guitar crunch. Crash may be on par with such music, but that only makes it competent, not memorable. ~ Andrew Leahey

Following the departure of frontman Caleb Oliver, Decyfer Down enlisted the talents of T.J. Harris -- former vocalist for North Carolina's Fighting Instinct -- to fill the gap. Harris proves to be a nice addition to the group, as his voice comprises equal parts grungy grit and passionate, God-fearing catharsis. Decyfer Down take strength in that presence, and Crash aligns itself with albums by such similarly styled bands as Puddle of Mudd and Breaking Benjamin. Heavy guitars and fist-pumping, carpe diem lyrics are championed by all of those groups, and at no point does Crash sound like the work of an overtly Christian outfit. Decyfer Down's spiritual message hasn't waned, yet it has been thoroughly integrated into a familiar formula of minor-key verses, anthemic choruses, and studio-enhanced guitar crunch. If those post-grunge tropes are your cup of tea, then consider Crash a worthy addition to your collection. ~ Andrew Leahey minimize