The Decline

NOFX

I've been listening to The Decline a lot recently, as it was a recent addition to my record collection. The 1999 EP, or rather, the eighteen minute winding suite, was an ambitious and uncharacteristically dejected project from the otherwise crass and colourful skate-punk goofballs. With nary a wisecrack, NOFX comments on America's cultural and political shortcomings through a series of eloquent and thoughtful vignettes. America's gun obsession, the war on drugs, the lobbying power of rich elites, religion, a general lack of compassion and empathy for others; all of these topics are cohesively woven together and by the end, we have quite the compelling thesis on how these issues contribute to the misery, pain, and suffering of every day Americans. What's alarming is that even twenty-three years later, the commentary is so 'on the nose' that it might as well have been written today.

The song would be an absolute downer if it wasn't for the fact that the song totally rips. There's lots of catchy and speedy punk passages which should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the band, but in addition to that, NOFX does a great job of constantly switching up the mood and dynamics to create one rollercoaster of a track. For example, Jerry's tale of ruin after being convicted for a non-violent drug offense, is scored by these alternating passages where low frequencies are sucked away only to make a quick return with a gut punch. Sara's battle with depression is scored, fittingly, by a slower, less energetic folk-rock passage. The vibe is constantly shifting, but ultimately what keeps everything tied together is this central motif that can be identified by a rallying trombone melody. This motif actually closes the last three minutes of the song, although, it is accompanied by the sound of marching, crowds hollering, and giant bells for extra drama.

Everyone gives stellar performances as well across this nightmare of a track. Fat Mike steals the show on numerous occasions with some pretty insane bass parts. The intro begins with some patient chords before Mike really digs in to get us up to tempo. Just a little over the half way mark, Fat Mike astounds again with honestly one of the best bass riffs I have ever heard. The melody and the speed; it's hard to not include Fat Mike among the best punk bassists after hearing this. I also love hearing Eric Melvin occasionally fill in with some high-pitched shouts. He provides a great contrast to Fat Mike's gruff voice. I love Hefe's vocal contribution as well. With his head in the clouds, Hefe fantasizes about earning money for every senseless killing, and using it to 'buy a government' to make a more ideal society for himself and others who share his beliefs. I'm sure the irony was not lost on whoever wrote those words.

The Decline is just great. It's exciting from nearly start to finish with some amazing performances from all members. The social and political commentary is very sharp and relevant, still to this day. And furthermore, the lyrics aren't simple regurgitations of the same old talking points we've heard countless times, and instead the message is received through American tales and fever dreams. The words have a surprising amount of depth that will leave you to ponder well after the song is over. It is simply a well crafted, thoughtful project that absolutely deserves classic status.