What makes Decoy by Good Riddance notable?

Decoy is significant for its contribution to the hardcore punk genre during a time of increasing popularity for the style. The EP received positive reviews from critics, helping to establish Good Riddance as a band to watch, particularly noted for their lyrical depth and energetic performances. It also influenced subsequent punk bands looking to merge melody with sociopolitical themes. Released in 1995, Decoy marked Good Riddance's first EP following their debut album, For God and Country. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their presence in the hardcore punk scene, showcasing a distinct sound that blended melodic elements with aggressive instrumentation. This release set the stage for their evolution as key figures in the punk movement of the mid-'90s.

How many songs are on Decoy?

Decoy has 3 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Decoy

Good Riddance · 1995

7 min · 3 tracks · hardcore punk

Frenetic hardcore punk energy bursts forth with raw, unfiltered emotion and biting social commentary.

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Top tracks — play these first

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United Cigar — The opening track sets a furious pace, featuring driving rhythms and sharp guitar riffs that encapsulate the band's signature sound while addressing themes of conformity and rebellion.
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12 Year Circus — This track exemplifies the band's knack for combining catchy melodies with incisive lyrics, exploring feelings of disillusionment within societal structures.
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Free — As one of the shorter tracks, it delivers an urgent message about personal freedom and self-identity, capturing the essence of punk's ethos with its straightforward approach.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

Decoy delivers intense energy and social commentary typical of hardcore punk, establishing Good Riddance's sound.

What we noticed

Each track features rapid tempos and aggressive guitar riffs, maintaining a high energy level throughout.
The lyrics focus on social issues, delivered with a raw vocal style that emphasizes urgency and emotion.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 United Cigar 2:40
2 12 Year Circus 2:46
3 Free 1:51

What to play next

Listen next

A Comprehensive Guide to Moderne Rebellion

1996

Go back to

For God and Country

1995

Full Good Riddance discography Artists like Good Riddance

hardcore punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata