Decius Vol. II (Splendour and Obedience): A Powerful, Immersive Experience

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Imagine stepping into a basement club, the air thick with sweat and cigarette smoke, the atmosphere electric, pulsating to a relentless bass that resonates deep within your bones. This immersive experience reaches new heights in Decius Vol. II (Splendour and Obedience), a captivating album that not only builds upon its predecessor but invites listeners into a sonic labyrinth of emotion and rhythm. Each track intensifies the cravings ignited before, wrapping enthusiasts in a cocoon of deep, resonating tones and intricate layers of sound. It’s an invitation to lose yourself entirely in a euphoric and rhythmic exploration of the night.

Decius is a formidable South London supergroup comprising Quinn Whalley of Paranoid London, the dynamic duo Luke and Liam May from Trashmouth Records, and the charismatic Lias Saoudi, frontman of Fat White Family. Saoudi’s distinctive, raw, and sultry vocals swirl above the pulsing instrumentals, creating a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly innovative. With Vol. II, their music has evolved, seamlessly blending house, disco, and techno, all underpinned by a pulsating acid-dance groove.   

Tracks like ‘Queen of 14th St’ ignite vibrant energy on the dancefloor, their infectious rhythms and shimmering synths conjuring an irresistible party atmosphere.  The lead single, ‘Walking In The Heat,’ struts with a cool swagger, merging crisp electronic beats with Kraftwerk-inspired melodies, depicting a futuristic cityscape at twilight where retro aesthetics and forward-thinking sounds collide.   

A standout moment, ‘I Gave Birth 2 U,’ featuring Maggie the Cat, serves as a fervent tribute to house vocal legends like Naté and Kirsty Hackshaw, their soulful voices resonating through dance music’s history.   

Saoudi’s contributions carve out a distinctive space within these intricate sonic landscapes. He harnesses ferocious, driving beats, transforming them into a vivid canvas that interrogates unconventional masculinity. He embraces vulnerability and uninhibited desire, inviting listeners to reflect on complex emotions. Tracks like ‘Punishment/Improvement’ delve into desire, control, and surrender, boldly challenging traditional masculine expression and encouraging exploration of personal identity. The album becomes more than just a collection of tracks; it evolves into a provocatively introspective journey through emotion and sound.

While the album’s relentless energy is generally a strength, at times the sheer density of sound can feel a little overwhelming, occasionally obscuring some of the finer nuances.  However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise compelling and innovative release.  Decius Vol. II ultimately offers a powerful and immersive experience, solidifying Decius’ position as a force to be reckoned with in the contemporary dance music scene.

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