Decent Criminal, the punk rock band from Santa Rosa, CA, have been making music together since 2014. Think '90s alternative, punk, surf, and power-pop. It's energetic and catchy. Don't be surprised by three-part harmonies, provoking lyrics, powerful guitar riffs, changes in tempo and volume, and really, really, liking this band after you hear them. I challenge you to listen and not move.
Bliss, the band's latest offering came out on June 21st on Wiretap Records US and Bearded Punk Records UK. It's the Bay Area band's fourth release, and the follow up to 2017's Bloom.
They spent the summer touring Europe, and they'll be heading back out to tour up the West Coast in December.
Q&A
Q: Can you describe your band for our readers?
A: Decent Criminal is four dudes that grew up playing in hardcore punk bands. As time went on, there was a desire to embrace our love of other types of music. Writing music that did so is what Decent Criminal was founded on. There's influences of doo-wop, surf, guitar-driven 70's rock, 90's alternative and so on, but underneath it all is the energy of a punk band.
Q: What's the story behind your band name?
A: Hunter wrote it on his desk in High School, thought it was cool.
Q: I've read that there was a vinyl pressing error in with your album Bloom was mistakenly pressed onto copies of Kendrick Lamar's second album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, is that true?
A: Absolutely, there are many people that have hit us up saying that have copies that could essentially be called a Decent Criminal/Kendrick Lamar split. Still waiting on that check.
Q: You've been touring since 2016. You've done dates in the US, Mexico, and Europe, do you have plans to come to Canada?
A: You bet, we'll be coming to play Pouzza Fest in 2020! (NOTE - THAT IS BREAKING NEWS!)
Q: Do you have a favourite venue to play?
A: I'd say our favorite place to play would be Alex's Bar in Long Beach. The sound guy just has his shit dialed in there, and I always know it's gonna sound great. Sound guy at Alex's, you win.
Q: Do you have a dream venue that you'd like to play?
A: The Fillmore in San Francisco would be my dream venue. So much history and I went to so many shows growing up there, feels like that would really bring things full circle.
Q: Can you tell us about your latest release, Bliss?
A: Yeah, Bliss is our best record yet. The songs are full of stories of life experiences, wonderfully influential people that change the way you view the world and the Bliss that can be found in change and moving forward.
Q: Are there plans for any more videos?
A: Probably do a video for our song Bleached eventually, couple others I'd like to do as well. We'll see what time and money allows.
5 Quick Questions with Decent Criminal
I love this video! They are a whole lot of funny.
Thanks to Tristan and Jesse for taking the time to answer our questions.
Decent Criminal's Links
In case you missed it, the band is heading out on a West Coast tour in December. Check out the dates below.
