CD: “The Collective” by EK Decay

After the excellent debut album “No Hope” comes the excellent follow up from East Kilbride’s finest “The Collective”. Album number two was always going to be a challenge after the sheer brilliance of the 1st, but once again EK Decay haven’t disappointed us.

The “Collective” opens unsurprisingly with “Collective”! Clever use of a short sample opens the song before the guitars kick in, then Midi’s vocals appear and come to the forefront. His E.K. snarl is apparent from the outset and while loud and audible the anthemic ‘woah’s’ of the chorus are infectious. Tight chords and a noodly middle 8 aside this has the makings of a live favourite. Jamie’s drums are hard ‘n’ fast and the song has a whole military-esque feel to it – a call to arms if you like?! A great opener.

“Hunt The Hunters” is a much mellower offering to begin with, before kicking in with passionate vocals and a strong lyrical message. Jamie’s hitting takes centre stage behind Midi’s stretched vocalising. Some classic “3rd wave” Punk guitars show a prominence throughout, but it’s the lyrics that are the key component to this song. “3rd World War” is another sample-led song which has a distinct UK Subs feel to it. Strong, angry vocals jostle for attention above the heavy snare and guitars. Another anthemic singalong that will keep the natives happy in the live arena.

I’m wondering if “Had Enough” is (semi) autobiographical, or a tale of a friend/associate in need? There’s definitely a nod to “Jilted John” in the guitars, although I’m not sure it’s deliberate. “Mistakes” opens with more snare-bashing from Jamie before a fine bassline takes over. Then those scratchy guitars kick in (I’m reminded of Exploited). The vocals are passionately delivered, if slightly indecipherable in the chorus.

“Killed In Action” has the band wearing their early 80’s hearts on their sleeves. Proper, “old skool” Punk in all its glory-an anti-war song maybe or just social commentary. That vocal snarl returns once more alongside the scratchy guitars and heavy symbol drumming. “Eve of Destruction” is the first of 2 covers on here. Just one listen to the lyrics and you will pick up the subject matter – it pulls no punches and whichever decade it was written or released it will resonate with many. However, what EK Decay have done with it is very clever indeed. Take the drum intro to “Troops of Tomorrow” (Exploited), add the bass from Green Day’s “Longview” and then let the clangy guitars take over. Midi stays with the spoken word format of the vocal while the song ends with yet more clangy chords. Again, I can’t help but think it’s not deliberate but they bring the song right up to date.

“Wasted” begins with a great snare intro and a throbbing bass to match. There’s more chiming chords before it literally kicks into life. A song with a clear message – the perils of substance abuse. Again I’m guessing it might have been penned about a story of a friend/associate, but the message is loud and clear. “Stand As One” is probably Midi’s most audible vocal on this album. The delivery is softer, lyrically honest and again pulling no punches. Another visit to the subject of a Nuclear War.

Cover version number 2 is not one for the purists. Their take on the UK Subs “Riot” is great and unique enough – Midi’s vocals bettered only by a strong bass. I for one feel that the album as a whole has a “Subs” feel to it, and this track is not out of place.

“Still 45”, the penultimate track on here has a bassy intro and a harsh, direct vocal. “Giving Us Food Banks-No Thanks” is the most interesting chorus I’ve heard in a while and the guitar edit at the end wouldn’t be out of place on a Big Country LP! “Nuclear Nation” ends the album and is as direct and “in yer face” as they come. Maybe political but a passionate overview of nuclear power. The fade to nothing ending is impressive and the perfect way to finish.

It would have been too easy for EK Decay to have just written another “No Hope”, but they have clearly pushed themselves with “The Collection”. With a passion for all things political and at odds with their view of world destruction they have delivered once more. Never dull and never happy to stagnate, this band (I feel) are here for the longhaul. They have overcome the “difficult 2nd album” scenario and I’m sure will be gearing up for round 3!

Track Listing
Collective
Hunt The Hunters
3rd World War
Had Enough
Mistakes
Killed In Action
Eve Of Destruction
Wasted
Stand As One
Riot
Still 45
Nuclear Nation

Bonus Tracks: Live in Lrstondon
The Biggest Lie
Look Around

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