A local group with a dark heart are beginning to generate a name for themselves across the water, after releasing their debut CD last month.
Slow Decay , a goth rock band based in Douglas, released ’Ghosts’, a three-track EP, mid-way through November, and are already looking to build on positive reviews and secure slots on the festival circuit next year.
Slow Decay formed in 2015, and are formed around the nucleus of guitarist and songwriter Mark Sayle, singer Sabrina Jarzabek, bassist Phil Cleary and drummer Stu Kneen. Original guitarist Andy Noble left and was replaced by Stephen Halsall late last year.
The three tracks, ’Ghosts’, ’Moonlight’ and ’The Count’, are highly reminiscent of the iconic goth sound of the late 80s and early 90s, thanks to the swirling, melodic guitars and Sabrina’s deep, atmospheric vocal style.
’We identify with bands like Sisters of Mercy, The Cure, Souxie and the Banshees, Ghost dance,people like that’ said Mark. ’If you are familiar with any of those you will be on the right heading.’
The EP came was recorded it at the Red Lion studios in Foxdale, over three days.
The EP has won a lot of praise, particularly for the stunning production, courtesy of local producer Phil Reynolds.
’I know Phil put a lot of post production into it, and he spent a lot of time getting the record sounding just right,’ said Mark. ’It sounds just the way it should do, and we are hugely, hugely thankful for him for that.’
One review praised the group’s sound and image, saying: ’Three tracks which capture all the theatrics and overstated eloquence, power and poise of those heady days of yore.’
The group recently made it to the finals of the battle of the bands competition, and are now looking to secure gigs across the water.
’We are looking at doing some gigs on island over the Christmas period,’ said Mark, ’and we have been in touch with festivals across to see if we can doing anything there.’
’Ghosts’ was produced with help for the Isle of Man Arts council, and is available through slowdecay2.bandcamp.com