Release Date: 10/07/2020
Record Label: Fox Records
For Fans Of: Basement, Holding Absence, Wallflower
There’s nothing quite like the sense of anticipation and hope that accompanies a band’s debut album; the intrigue that surrounds the first play-through and the deep, subconscious wish to fall in love with, or at least be seduced by, every track on the record. Not just content with planting that seed of hope, Decay (unlike their name would suggest) have produced an album in Staring At The Sun that flourishes and blossoms.
There’s a poignant sadness that underpins Staring At The Sun, a pain in its lyrics and raw desperation in its sound. Frontman, Daniel Reposar, explains that Decay was “going through a lot of troubles and setbacks within our personal lives; death, grievance and heartbreak to name a few,” at the time of writing. Tracks such as the gut-wrenching but flawless ‘23’ and the emotive ‘27th September’ are examples of those intimate feelings and emotions being conveyed.
It could be argued that the true measure of success to an album is the way listeners relate to it, the chord deep down in which its message aims to strike. ‘Ache’ is such a powerful song that it almost single-handedly captivates you for the whole record, engulfing you in a wave of emotion. Reposar roars “Tell me do you ache like me? All over your body?” and it’s hard not to scream right back at him.
If you’re under the impression that Staring At The Sun is an album meant only for bleak, miserable rainy days then you would be wrong. Decay might be painting with a predominantly dark palette, but there’s a vibrant splash of colour on the canvas too. The record aims to empower us, as it pleads for self-acceptance regarding our flaws and shines a light on the good within us too. Charming title-track ‘Staring At The Sun’ is an example of such an approach, as are ‘Hold On’ and the rip-roaring ‘Misery’. However, no song captures the mood of the album quite like ‘Comfortable’. It’s a song about coming to terms with the aspects of yourself you don’t like and where you find yourself in life, but it’s bursting at the seams with infectious energy and passion.
Staring At The Sun is a powerful and bold debut album that doesn’t lack in heart, intimacy, or craftsmanship. Decay are outstretching an arm, offering you their hand to stop you from falling, but they’re standing below to catch you just in case. As first efforts go, it’s hard to fault this one from Decay. You might just have to make room for one more band in your lives after you’ve fallen for this record.
Rating: 9/10
Recommended Track: ‘Ache’