The Megaphonic Thrift - Decay Decoy

While hailing from Bergen, Norway, The Megaphonic Thrift's influences are not taken from their more traditional metal homeland, but from the U.S.A as their sound resembles an amalgamation of genres at which our American cousins excel. On the one hand, we have the dramatic feedback heavy squall of Sonic Youth, on the other, it's the more relaxed, slacker ambience, reminiscent of Pavement. While providing an intoxicating mix, one bestows a superior pleasure on the listener, creating two varying landscapes, similar to aspects of Scandanavia itself.

"Decay Decoy" is half a great album, not in a chronological manner, but in song structure and it's the mixed tempo, sweeping, swirling tracks which are the most beguiling. These lie firmly within the Norwegian Fjords where it isn't immediately apparent what may appear around the corner or over the next mountain.  "The Undertow," inhabits this terrain, as does "Candy Sin," with an intro slightly indicative of The Kinks "David Watts" but inclusive of heavy weight drumming capable of inducing an avalanche. "Queen of Noise" is another prime example, a frenetic piece of punk with added hyperactive female vocals. Conversely, "Sister Joan, "Neues" and "Mad Mary" are from another land, perhaps Finland, who's topography is slightly less picturesque or undulating, more relaxed and not quite as challenging.

Each certainly has it's virtues, in this instance however I'm firmly pitched in the Norwegian camp.