2006 marked the release of The Matches follow up record Decomposer. Released on Epitaph records as their first major release, this pop-punk group totally blindsided the majority of listeners today. Going into Decomposer I was expecting a brooding pop-punk album akin to their first release. Instead I was shocked. This Oakland bred four piece decided to go a new direction, and that direction was "no direction". Produced by nine (yes nine) different producers (ranging from Tim Armstrong to Mark Hoppus) they managed to create thirteen well crafted songs, that while feeling disconnected, go together to make a cohesive album. Opening with chamber rock inspired "Salty Eyes" Decomposer never lets you look back. Moving from track to track each brings their own flavor. Ranging from heavy "Lazier than Furniture" to heart pulling anthem "The Barbers Unhappiness". While the album is original, creative, and fun...it will not be universally liked. Expect this album and this group to be highly polarized..love it or hate it..fortunately for these guys it doesn't matter--they are still pretty damn good. Leaking with witty lyrics, strong music, and top notch production..look for this to become one of the bigger "it" bands in music. (Epitaph 2006) Reviewed on 2006-12-24 10:53:43 by Randall Cropp