Decortica is an alternative rock / progressive rock act from New Zealand. With two releases to date and an energetic, polished live show, the band is gaining a reputation as a modern rock outfit. A three-piece employing a range of dynamics and effects, “the result is a huge, full sound with frequent deviations into new textures and moods” (Groove Guide). The precisely crafted balance of heavy riffs, ambience, thundering percussion, layers of harmony and soaring vocals captured on tracks like “The Grid” (from the debut “A New Aesthetic”) and “Shinkansen” (from the follow-up “Love Hotel”) is faithfully transposed in the live arena.

“Love Hotel” is a 6-song concept piece, exploring new sonic and technical territories for the band. A narrative set in the urban Japanese nightlife, the album revolves around the ideas of ennui, escapism and fantasy. Interesting song structures lend cinematic qualities to the record; the lyrics abstract and observational. A coherent yet diverse work.