Decant offer an emotional tribute to a fallen friend with their hauting and transfixing new single Passing — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Hailing from the historic Bay Area, Decant emerge as a rising force in the world of dark pop. The group — frontperson and vocalist Freddie Bytheway, keyboardist / guitarists Joey Verdian and Van Jackson-Weaver, and drummer Thelonius Quimby — shape a distinctive sound with Passing, an artful navigation of the intricate emotional landscape of love and addiction, weaving together haunting melodies and a pulsating electro beat to create a truly captivating auditory experience.
Passing delves into the complex emotions entwining love’s turmoil and the struggles born from substance use. The song’s entrancing introduction casts an atmospheric spell, paving the way for a hauntingly dark electro beat to take center stage. As the chorus unfurls, the melody intensifies, mirroring the weighty sentiments encapsulated in lines like, “Empty and deep are the thoughts that I think” and “Still hard to keep, my heart slow to the beat.” The song stands as a touching tribute to Corey Budke, a close friend of the band who passed in February 2013. Both Budke and Verdian shared their formative years in Fresno, where their mutual love for music, exploration, and friendship flourished. In 2011, Verdian played a pivotal role in recording several original compositions by Budke, including the moving track Solace.
The chorus of Passing emerges as a poignant connection between past and present, as Verdian ingeniously integrates Budke’s introspective lyrics and vocal melodies from Solace. The song further showcases the contributions of two other cherished companions: Bradley Penner and Pete Egan. Penner’s rhythmic prowess shines through his drum arrangements, while Egan’s soul-stirring piano melodies inject an added layer of depth.
Formed in 2016 by keyboardist/guitarist Verdian, Decant have consistently embarked on a journey of crafting unique symbolism within their music. Rooted in their name, which metaphorically represents their artistic growth, Decant transform emotions into palpable sensations through their sound. Their all-encompassing aesthetic is meticulously forged through an enchanting fusion of electronic nuances and organic instrumentations, harmoniously paired with delicate melodies that explore themes of loss, shifts in perspective, and raw vulnerability. Their musical journey commenced with the release of their debut single Gallatin in spring 2023, followed by Take Them, Beverly and Offshore. Each has resonated profoundly, amassing an impressive 80k streams and garnering around 10k monthly listeners — an accomplishment solely attributed to their independent efforts.
With Passing, Decant boldly venture into the intersection of personal experiences, artistry, and profound connections. This musical homage brings Budke’s memory to life through a mesmerizing arrangement that resonates deeply with listeners. Check out Passing above, hear more from Decant below, and meet up with them on their website, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.
