Suprise, suprise
Surprises can be lovely. It's a shame that you can't be totally surprised, in a good way everyday. Occasionally you'll get that odd bit of post or you'll be told something that impresses you, but in general, you don't get surprised often enough. Decisions by The Blackout Argument is an example of being surprised in the best way possible as it is not only a good, solid album, it is perhaps the best hardcore influenced rock band that has been around in some time.
From the ashes of Pain the Town Red and Flyswatter, the Munich based The Blackout Argument are hot contenders for one of the best bands this writer has reviewed this year. With wholly personal lyrics but still retaining a fair amount of palpable aggression, the album soars above mediocre. Using the gang vocal style used with bands like Comeback Kid and Hatebreed, there is such energy and drive on Decisions, it is a terrifically exciting listen. With guest appearances from Geert Van Der Velde (ex Shai Hulud) and Byron Davies from God Forbid, they seem to have created quite a following within creative circles and quite rightly so.
From the all out attack of "Zombie Aesthetics" to the eloquent and understated acoustic beauty of "Glassbead Game", there seems to be every possible shade of emotion on display and it is refreshing to see a band who can both handle both so competently. Everything on offer here seems so effortless in its creation and delivery, this is not to take away from their obvious achievement here, but everything seems wholly organic and there is not even a hint of strain or tension in their delivery. Whereas other bands in this genre are all trying to match each other in terms of sound and look, The Blackout Argument are very much like the lone gunmen of their own style.
Brilliantly executed and hugely impressive, there is a huge range of emotions all on show here and this is quite simply one of the most refreshing and surprising albums heard for quite a considerable time. Decisions is both epic and personal, as well as being undeniably bold and understated which has to be the mark of a strong and creative unit. Other failing bands in this genre really should make some notes from this as this shows how it is done. This is really a band to watch out for.