Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


Decyfer Down, Acoustic EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Decyfer Down
Acoustic EP



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Rock / Acoustic
Album length: 5 tracks: 20 minutes, 52 seconds
Street Date: June 23, 2017


READER RATING:   


It's often a waste of an opportunity when a rock band trades their electric instruments for softer ones just to give the song a more intimate feel. Taking a little creative liberty in translating the song to a new format usually makes a more engaging listening experience than hearing the same notes played on a different instrument. Although not the most imaginative of acoustic albums, Decyfer Down's Acoustic EP offers a fresh take on some of the more noteable tracks in the rock band's discography.

This acoustic project was originally a perk on the IndieGoGo campaign of their latest studio album, The Other Side of Darkness, but now, roughly one year later, they are releasing it to the rest of the world. As the straightforward album title suggests, the acoustic guitar is the primary instrument featured here, with a sparse mix of light drums (mostly achieved with brushes) and bass. The acoustic guitars throughout the 21 minute runtime have a full sound with shifts in tone and tempo from track to track, but it's TJ Harris' vocals that are most prominently highlighted in the mix. For the most part Harris shines in the spotlight with versatile and emotive vocals, especially on "Anchor Me" and "Burn Back The Sun."

"Anchor Me" starts off with an aggressive dirty guitar riff before transitioning into a steady pace, making a strong first impression for the EP. For the band's biggest song, "Fading," instead of trying to attain the same epic vibe of the original they opted for a contemplative mood that works well. "Crash" has a similar reworking as "Fading," though perhaps less memorable in execution. The intricate guitar riff on "Crash" has an intriguing world music influence, but Harris' vocals feel a little flat for the first half of the song. "Scarecrow" brings the tempo up with a catchy southern rock riff before the album closes with the beautiful rendition of "Burn Back The Sun." Though "Burn Back The Sun" is more reserved, the weight and emotion behind Harris' vocals is almost tangible as he cries out to God, "bring back the fire once blazing inside this hollow cage." Fans will notice that this is the same acoustic track that appeared on The Other Side of Darkness, but since this recording was originally intended for this acoustic EP it's inclusion here is more than appropriate.

Decyfer Down's Acoustic EP was created as a special treat for fans, and it definitely delivers. There is a lot of attention to detail and enough variation from the originals to make this worthy of many spins. It will probably be most appreciated by longtime and current fans, but if you don't fit into one of those categories at least check out album highlights "Anchor Me" and "Burn Back The Sun."

- Review date: 6/19/17, written by Christopher Smith of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Buttons, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase! Save for the holidays with code JFH20 at checkout!

 

. Record Label: Independent / The Fuel
. Album length: 5 tracks: 20 minutes, 52 seconds
. Street Date: June 23, 2017
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Anchor Me (Acoustic)
  2. Fading (Acoustic)
  3. Crash (Acoustic)
  4. Scarecrow (Acoustic)
  5. Burn Back The Sun (Acoustic)

 

 

 

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Buttons, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase! Save for the holidays with code JFH20 at checkout!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, October 29, 2024
SINGLES
Pipe Bomb Hate Club - Single [The Charon Collective]

This Thursday, October 31, 2024
ALBUMS
Neon Horse Habit of Creature - EP [Velvet Blue Music]

This Friday, November 1, 2024
ALBUMS
AWZY Sinners and Saints - EP [DREAM]
Forrest Frank Child of God (Deluxe) [river house]
Future of Forestry Symphonic Christmas (Live) (independent)
Influence Music It's All About You (independent)
The Kingdom Heirs No Better Time [Sonlite]
Limoblaze Young & Chosen (Power Pack) - EP [Reach]
Paul & Hannah McClure Christmas Morning (Re-Release) [Bethel]
Planetshakers Winning Team: Songs For Church (Live) [Venture3Media]
Skillet Revolution [Atlantic]
Sam's the Hero Charlie Cox - EP [Small Step]
Jim "Soni" Sonefeld Light of Joy - EP [Vere]
Ivan Theva Waiting Here for You - EP [Descendent/Provident]
John Van Deusen Anthem Sprinter [Tooth & Nail]
Phil Wickham Hallelujah! It's Christmas! [Fair Trade]
YWAM Kona Music Missionary Anthem - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
Ayo Shamir, YP aka Young Paul Aaron Judge - Single (independent)
Gabby Barrett O Come, O Come Emmanuel (feat. The Piano Guys) - Single [Warner Music Nashville]
Brennley Brown Mary, Did You Know? - Single [Provident]
Lauren Daigle Then I Will - Single [Centricity]
Dreamers The Reason - Multi-Single [DREAM]
EJ Swavv I Hate Lucy - Single [Syntax]
Jess Ford This is My Jesus - Single (independent)
FYR FYTR So Simple - Single (independent)
Michael Monroe Pour It Out - Single [Provident]
Seph Schlueter We Sing (Joy To The World) [feat. Leanna Crawford] - Single [Provident]
Skye Peterson, Ben Shive Keep the Feast - Single [Getty]
SNT. VINCENT Confession - Single [Syntax]
Cyndi Thompson Silent Night - Single [County Line]
Thrive Worship Hark - Single [Integrity]
Tauren Wells Making Room - Single [Capitol CMG]

VINYL
Skillet Revolution Vinyl [Atlantic]

Next Friday, November 8, 2024
ALBUMS
Gabby Barrett Carols and Candlelight [Warner Music Nashville]
CXMMXNS CXMMXNS Chapter 1 - EP [Essential Worship]
New Hope Oahu There Is One - EP [DREAM]
Neal Morse & The Resonance No Hill For A Climber [InsideOut]
TAKE Time Bomb [Resuscitation Records]
Lauren Talley A Lauren Talley Christmas [Horizon]

SINGLES
Cory Asbury I Hope You Dance - Single [BEC]
Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story Approach, My Soul - Single [Getty]
Sam Bowman & GLADDEN Misfit Toys - Single [DREAM]
Wavorly Enemies - Single (independent)

VINYL
Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Vinyl [Rocketown]
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Vinyl [Frontiers]
TAKE Time Bomb Vinyl [Resuscitation Records]

DVD
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Blu-Ray [Frontiers]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images