Hailing from Los Angeles, Candy Warpop sound like what would happen if Lou Reed, Debbie Harry and Joan Jett made a record together. Transdecadence is their psychedelic debut and was crowd-funded by fans who have gotten to know the band through their acclaimed live shows. The group wanted to try something new, and intended on making an album that was both eccentric and accessible.
Lead singer Amy Pate showcases her haunting vocals on every track, especially on the spooky “Residue Of Change” and the environmentally-conscious “Plastic Earth,” where she is for the most part only accompanied by a menacing drum riff. “Locusts And Birds” has a Blondie-esque desperation to it, as well as the trademark ‘80s new wave/punk sound. “Godart” is extremely energetic, with fuzzy guitars and chaotic drumming. The one interlude, “Afterlife In Dreams,” contains only a great guitar solo and whispers of someone’s traumatic story, and fades perfectly in and out of the songs between which it is sandwiched.
The closer, “Severe Weather Warning,” uses an oncoming storm as a metaphor for a coming revolution. This track, as well as others on the album, contributes to a theme of human destruction of the world, whether it is ecologically, culturally, or socially.
Transdecadence is bleak at some points, and it contains somewhat prog rock themes of governmental distrust and a loss of faith in humanity. However, the release recalls the punk rock of the ‘80s, as well as adds a dose of pop and eccentricity to the mix.
In A Word: Experimental
