Decoder (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2010 in Florida, United States |
| Defunct | 2012 |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Jack Burns, Brent Guistwite, Keith Jones, Vinny Capitani, Liam Thomas |
| Products | Music albums and performances |
| Parent | Rise Records |
Decoder was a post-hardcore group from the United States, established in Florida in 2010. The lineup included former musicians from Versa, Polyenso, and Of Machines. They were signed under Rise Records and released a single album characterized by subdued, slow-paced post-rock and ambient-inspired instrumentals, blended with intense screamed vocals and robust drumming.
On March 1, 2012, after a legal dispute over their original name initiated by a New Jersey-based band, they adopted the new name Lead Hands. Shortly following this rebranding, the band dissolved.
Formation and Rise Records contract (2010)
Decoder came into existence when drummer Brent Guistwite (previously with Of Machines) and Jack Burns (formerly of Oceana) left their respective bands. They began crafting their musical direction before bringing on board vocalists Keith Jones (ex-Oceana) and Spencer Pearson (formerly of VersaEmerge). Bassist Bryce Sipes joined the ensemble after contributing to the demo recording of "Dreamwalker." On August 24, 2010, Decoder announced via Facebook that they had signed with Rise Records and entered the studio with producer Matt Malpass on August 28, 2010. According to Guistwite, after presenting their material to Rise Records founder Craig Ericson, they received an offer to join the label. The band's second guitarist, Anthony Sepe, became a member on December 30, 2010.
Debut album release (2011–2012)
Produced by Matt Malpass, Decoder’s self-titled debut album was launched through Rise Records on January 17, 2011, garnering favorable critiques. It entered the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart at position 44. Their first tour began on February 15, 2011, supporting acts such as Emarosa, Chiodos, and Go Radio. A teaser for the "Believers" music video was unveiled on February 7, 2011. Subsequently, they participated in "The Rise Record Tour" alongside Memphis May Fire, Ten After Two, and That's Outrageous!. The official "Believers" video premiered on May 13, 2011.
Transition and dissolution (2012–2013)
In early 2012, significant lineup changes occurred as Anthony Sepe and Spencer Pearson exited the band. Bassist Bryce Sipes also left on February 5 due to dissatisfaction with the industry. On March 1, Liam Thomas joined as bassist and clean vocalist to fill the roles vacated by Pearson and Sipes. Guitarist Vinny Capitani was added to the group as well. Subsequently, due to a legal challenge concerning their name, they rebranded themselves as Lead Hands.
Keith Jones departed in June to embark on a solo career. Lead Hands officially disbanded on July 1 without releasing any new recordings or performing live under this new identity. Guitarist Jack Burns encountered legal troubles involving $3,400 in debt and potential incarceration connected to financial issues with a merchandise company associated with Decoder.
Band members
Final lineup
- Jack Burns — guitar (2010–2012)
- Brent Guistwite — drums (2010–2012)
- Keith Jones — unclean vocals (2010–2012)
- Vinny Capitani — guitar (2012)
- Liam Thomas — bass guitar, clean vocals (2012)
Former members
- Anthony Sepe — guitar (2010–2012)
- Spencer Pearson — clean vocals (2010–2012)
- Bryce Sipes — bass guitar (2010–2012)
Discography
- Decoder (Rise Records, 2011)