Never be afraid to evolve – review of “Synthetic Sympathy” by Defying Decay

It’s a lot of fun when bands mix multiple genres within their records. And perhaps this band from Bangkok has somehow proven that they can blend many influences effortlessly. With “Synthetic Sympathy”, Defying Decay enter the most transformative chapter of their career — and perhaps their most daring.

The band now fully embraces a sleek, modern alt‑pop/rock identity without losing the emotional urgency that has always defined them. If anything, Defying Decay have never sounded this clean, this confident, or this meticulously crafted. The production, mixing, and mastering are very well done, giving each instrument the space needed without overpowering the others.

Tracks like “Clouds (feat. Violette Wautier),” or my favorite one, the ballad “Last Reply,” show a band capable of writing songs that are both radio‑ready and emotionally resonant. If there’s one critique that I can make, it’s that perhaps “Synthetic Sympathy” occasionally feels longer than it needs to be.

The band clearly wanted to go all in to make a definitive statement, to showcase every facet of their new identity, to leave nothing on the cutting room floor. And that’s something absolutely understandable! Though, there are times where the tempo may have been improved by applying the “less is more” mantra.

Still, “Synthetic Sympathy” is Defying Decay’s most ambitious and polished work to date; a bold reinvention and a fearless willingness to evolve. It may run a little long, but that excess comes from a place of passion, not indulgence. This is a band throwing open the doors to their next era, unafraid to show just how far they’ve come and how far they intend to go.

Tracklist:

1. The Requiem: A Bipolar Nightmare
2. Built To Fall
3. The Law 112: Secrets & Renegades
4. RX Genocide (feat. Kellin Quinn & Noth Getsunova)
5. Pale
6. 21 Stitches
7. Clouds (feat. Violette Wautier)
8. Meaningless
9. Prelude: A Peaceful Sleep
10. Debris
11. Last Reply
12. Inside These Lies
13. System Of Sinners
14. Hide & Seek