ALBUM REVIEW: Reason In Decline – Archers of Loaf

Reason In Decline is ARCHERS OF LOAF‘s first LP release in 24 years, and decline is something they certainly didn’t do. Though the band still consist of Eric Bachmann (singer/guitar), Matt Gentling (bass), Eric Johnson (guitar) and Mark Price (drums), they assure fans that they are not ‘your dad’s old favourite band’ and that this album will not be a ‘low-impact reboot’.

Being recorded in recent years meant the band had no shortage of inspiration and influence to draw into their creative work. Bachmann described the album as a new era, not wanting to compare it to their legacy “It’s not about responding to the past or whatever our bullshit legacy is. I just wanted to work with these guys because I knew the chemistry we had and that we still have. I knew that was rare. I didn’t care what it ended up sounding like.” Naturally then, the sound of this album is bound to be different to the previous; from the 24-year gap to the fact that Bachmann has recovered from gnarly throat surgery, it is to be expected. 

With a total of 10 tracks ranging from two to five minutes long, this album is the perfect length to be listened through in one sitting. Opening with Human was a great decision as it is one of the strongest on the album. It is hard to pinpoint why but it’s such a good opening track which has quite a similar vibe to some of BIFFY CLYRO‘s hit songs.

Screaming Undercover is another hit on the album, though it should really be the title track given how many times the lyrics “reason in decline” are featured. This track also has a familiar sound, seemingly bringing in influences from FOO FIGHTERS and NIRVANA, presumably the rougher vocals being a result of Bachmann‘s throat surgery. This is not to be seen as a negative; there is nothing wrong with recognisable influences as long as the tracks aren’t direct copies. Following this track is Mama Was A War Profiteer – a much slower and more solemn track. Though the track is very repetitive (borderline too much) it works as a welcome break amongst the more energetic songs. It’s definitely the song that the crowd will have their torches shining to whilst the band grab some water and a breather.

Breaking Even is the next standout of the album, it has the classic rock sound that you would expect from the genre but still feels new enough. Again, the rhythm and vocals are reminiscent of FOO FIGHTERS and perhaps a little bit of RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, but it’s clear to see that the band are just having fun playing whatever they want regardless of whether it is predictable or similar in sound. The album ends on War Is Wide Open, which is such a great finale. This track is the embodiment of the ‘looking out of your window as it rains imagining you’re in a music video’ and serves as the perfect wind-down track.

Overall, Reason In Decline is a great return for ARCHERS OF LOAF and will slot in perfectly with the rest of their discography for live shows. It will satiate the appetites of old fans whilst still being fresh enough to pull in new ones.

Rating 8/10

Reason In Decline is out now via Merge Records.

Like ARCHERS OF LOAF on Facebook.