Interview: The Decline

As they near their 10th year as a band, Aussie punk rockers The Decline arrive in the UK this week for their first run of shows on these shores. Having played alongside Descendents, Bouncing Souls, Lagwagon, Useless ID and countless other influential bands, it’s no doubt The Decline have proven their punk rock credentials. Their imminent arrival coincides with the release of their third LP, ‘Resister’.

Album number three sees the quartet expand their sound beyond the melodic skate punk sound of past releases. Although cuts such as ‘Almost Never Met You’ and ‘The Blurst of Times’ are fast and upbeat and will please fans of the genre, ‘You Call This A Holiday’ is introspective and stripped down. Nevertheless with a plethora of energetic hooks, ‘Resister’ has plenty to offer, and as we learn, sees The Decline deliver a positive message of overcoming tough decisions and “just going for it”.

Before they set foot on UK soil, we quizzed vocalist/guitarist Pat whilst they were out in Europe about the UK tour, ‘Resister’ and playing Rebellion Festival.

AH: So you’re about to return to the UK as part of Already Heard-sponsored tour. For those who aren’t too familiar with The Decline, can you give us a brief history lesson?
Pat: Well, we’ve been a band since about 2006. So nearly 10 years. In that time we’ve released 3 albums and a couple of EP’s, played with a lot of our favourite bands and toured a lot in some really cool places!

AH: You recently had a slight lineup change. What happens there and how are the new members fitting in?
Pat: At the end of last year our old bassist Dan and guitarist Nate left to pursue other interests. Our drummer Harry and I had a pretty big year of touring planned so we asked our friends Ray and Ben to join us. So far things have been really smooth. We wrote an album together and hit the road. We’re currently having a great time in Europe!

AH: The tour is in support of your third album, ‘Resister’. What can you tell us about the album?
Pat: ‘Resister’ is 13 tracks of melodic skate punk. I tried to approach it by picking up where our last album ‘Are You Gonna Eat That’ left off melody and speed wise and add an emotional depth to it unlike to what we’ve done before.

AH: Lyrically what is the album about?
Pat: A lot of the lyrics on this album are about figuring out what you want in life and just going for it. Sometimes that means making tough choices and sometimes it means you have to resist a lot of things but you know what you need, so just go for it.

AH: Their is a firm punk sound at the core of the album but there’s songs like ‘You Call This A Holiday’, which is ballad-like as well a barbershop interlude. Was becoming more diverse one of the aims when making the record?
Pat: I think so. I wanted to take the whole skate punk sound and do something new with it. I don’t want to be just another fast punk band I guess.

AH: Over the years you’ve played with some of the most influential names in punk rock, how has playing with bands like Descendants, Bouncing Souls, Anti-Flag etc helped developed The Decline?
Pat: I remember as a young band supporting bigger touring acts I was always impressed with the professionality and flow of the live performance. This can inspire you and make you want to keep playing music. Our first album was produced by Bill (Stevenson) from Descendents, for me this was the most awesome and band altering experience we possibly could’ve had.

AH: Going back to the UK shows. How would you sum up a typical show?
Pat: We play 13 – 15 songs really fast, usually off a few of our different CDs, hang out with other bands, drink beers and usually try to sell some copyrighted shirts with a celebrity’s face on it.

AH: Why should readers come out and see The Decline?
Pat: I don’t like telling people what to do. But your readers should definitely come and watch us play and then buy us beers.

AH: As part of the tour, you’re playing Rebellion Festival in Blackpool. Who are you hoping to catch when you’re there?
Pat: I am really excited about this one. I am hoping to catch Ignite, Snuff and Less Than Jake. Oh and Bastards on Parade. We shared the stage with them at Resurrection Fest in Spain and they rock.

AH: What cities are you looking forward to visiting on the tour?
Pat: I’m really looking forward to all of the shows with Millions of Dead Cops. So Blackpool, London, Plymouth and Leeds.

AH: Any closing comments for the Already Heard readers?
Pat: I hope you guys are enjoying ‘Resister’. Hopefully catch you at a show. Thanks to our sponsors the Coca Company and Apple Computers.

’Already Heard Presents: The Decline’ is bought in conjunction with Bird Attack Radio, 5HR Flight and Pee Records.