Back in 1979 this writer used to write for a mate’s fanzine, and has strong memories of the debut UK Decay 7”, shared with Pneumonia, causing a stir in the office (his bedroom). Thus the fanzine did one of the first interviews with the band, and now, nearly 30 years later, Yak Records give UK Decay their first CD release.
Forget the proto-goth references in the history books, as Decay were one of the finest regional post-punk bands with a unique compelling sound. This collection of rarities documents their forward momentum from their noisy scratching on their namesake track, to the unfurling of real contenders on a live version of Portrait (“hanging by their necks in my gallery”), to Peel Sessionrecorded Duel and Starstruck, where their sound of tom toms, melodic bass, sharded guitar and Abbo’s vocals find them at compelling maturity. Dorian, from the 1981 For Madmen Only album, is outstanding, and their third seminal single, For My Country, is here in a version from the band’s 1993 studio-only reformation, along with Twist In The Tale. This only has an internet release at present, so go to www.ukdecay.co.uk to order. All singles and the album next please!
