THE DECALS - The Decals 4-song CD
The first song on this thing is just ***So Fucking GREAT,*** that the rest sounded kinda blah. But then, so did everything else I listened to for about a week afterwards. Actually, the rest is pretty decent, it just needs a couple more listens to grow on ya. But that first one, Holy Moley Mother Of Minnie Pearl Jam, I thought I'd lose my crackers. I love tuff-ass girlypop bands like The Headcoatees, The Muffs, Shonen Knife (yes, they can be tuff), etc. And this holds its own with them, but I'm tellin' the band: You're sitting on a live hand grenade. You lavish this kinda care on your future efforts, and you'll be unstoppable, understand? Did someone ask, "What's the big deal?" Well that's just it, there isn't one. It's just bass, guitar, drums, hooks and harmonies. But it's that rarest of rock tunes that's just a total blast of frozen silver sparkle, that makes you feel like a hormonal high-schooler with your brand-new driver's license. The chorus is so joyously infectious as to be downright evil. Thoughts of backward-masking and subliminal embeds of "Do Not Attempt To Resist!" were not far off, I swear. No, I'm not gonna go and bet a band's entire future on the basis of one killer song. But can I bet half and raise you five?

(Joe Coughlin, The Noise)

 

***1/2 THE DECALS - Self Titled EP
Immediately upon hearing "If I (Ever See You Again)" the opening track on this four song EP, I found my head bobbing and digging this retro garage sound. The Decals are far from polished and the production on this particular series of songs is far from perfect, which is OK especially if you enjoy the true essence of 'Garage Rock'; Keep it raw, simple and of course, rockin'. Essentially the Decals are Nicole Johnson and Michelle Paulhus. They each contribute two songs on what is basically their debut effort as a band. Johnson, who also plays guitar, wrote "If I," possibly the EP's most accessible track, and "Going Out," while Bassist Paulhus adds "Cry" and the equally impressive "Corner." All four songs (mixed by The Nines Evan Shore) have their moments and show that the Decals, who recently changed their drummer and added a new lead guitarist, are one with great potential that you should keep your eye on.

(The Jazzer)