Out of Philadelphia, with roots tangled deep in Southern New Jersey, Deciderata is the kind of band that happens when history, friendship, and fearless creativity collide. Six musicians, multiple voices, and a shared past fuel a sound they call Tru-Fusion—a living, breathing blend of funk, screamo, nu-metal, gospel, jazz, rock, and reggae. It’s not a gimmick. It’s a language they’ve been speaking together for years.
After a period of silence, the band didn’t come back chasing trends or nostalgia. Instead, they reunited to revisit themselves. Released on November 25th, 2025, their album, “Reflections:1,” is a reintroduction and a reimagining. Under the careful vision and production of guitarist Chris Morano, the band reshapes familiar material with clarity, intention, and renewed fire. This is not a comeback album. This is a recalibration. Let’s delve into the album together.
The album opens with attitude. “Bite” is sharp, punchy, and confrontational. It’s a statement track that sets the tone. Lyrically, it touches on survival, instinct, and refusing to be silenced. The vocals snap with urgency while the instrumentation hits hard, blending funk rhythms with rock aggression.
A complete mood shift, “Medicine” leans into reggae grooves while carrying a deeper message about healing. It’s emotional, spiritual, and communal. The vocals are smooth and reflective, riding the rhythm instead of overpowering it. It’s a reminder that Deciderata understands restraint just as well as intensity.
With pure energy, “Get Down” is a funk-driven release that celebrates movement, connection, and letting go. The rhythm section shines here, locking into a live and infectious groove. The vocals are playful and commanding, inviting us into the moment.
This is where vulnerability steps forward. “My Life” explores identity, struggle, and ownership of one’s story. The delivery is sincere, with vocals that feel personal rather than performative. Instrumentation stays supportive, allowing the emotion to lead.
A slow-burning track centered on communication or the lack of it. Themes of distance, misunderstanding, and emotional silence run through the lyrics of “Speak To Me.” The vocal interplay between Crafts and Hartman adds depth, while the guitars create an atmospheric backdrop that pulls the listener inward.
Relaxed, hazy, and introspective, “Four Twenty” leans into laid-back vibes while still carrying reflective weight. It feels like a pause in the album, a moment to breathe. The groove is subtle, the vocals conversational, and the mood undeniably cool.
One of the album’s most powerful statements, “Soldiers,” addresses resilience, unity, and standing firm through adversity. The performance is commanding, with strong vocal delivery and driving instrumentation. It feels anthemic without becoming cliché, grounded, and earned.
The eighth track captures the heart of the album. Titled “Change,” this is a song about evolution, whether personal, artistic, or collective. Musically, it blends genres seamlessly, mirroring the song’s message. The vocals are emotive and uplifting, reinforcing the idea that growth is both painful and necessary.
Meta, reflective, and forward-looking, “The New Song” feels like Deciderata acknowledging their rebirth. It’s creative, layered, and confident, a declaration that this chapter is not a nostalgia act but a progression.
The album closes with personality. “Big Bad Jimmy” brings character-driven storytelling, groove, and swagger. It’s playful yet polished, leaving us with a sense of fun and completion. A perfect closer that reminds you this band doesn’t take itself too seriously, just the music.
“Reflections: 1” is a thoughtful, genre-blurring return that honors Deciderata’s past while firmly planting them in the present. It’s an album built on chemistry, lived experience, and creative fearlessness. Nothing feels forced. Nothing feels dated. Instead, it feels honest. For longtime fans, this record is a reunion worth the wait. For new listeners, it’s an open door into a band that thrives on authenticity and evolution.
Listen to “Reflections: 1” on Spotify
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