Philadelphia’s own Deciderata is the kind of band that reminds you why musical chemistry still matters. This six-piece powerhouse — fronted by dynamic vocal duo Jason Crafts and Kevin Hartman, supported by drummer Anthony Matthews, bassist Kevin Mickle, and guitarists Damien Osborne and Chris Morano — blends talent, heart, and precision into something unmistakably their own. On November 25th, 2025, the band unveiled “Reflections:1”, a ten-track original album that dives deep into emotion, musicianship, and the art of telling stories through sound. Ready to press play? Let’s dive into the album together.

The title track is “Bite”. The song starts with a low, distorted synth bass line and a crisp, dry snare hit that establishes an immediate, almost confrontational rhythm. A distorted, echoing vocal sample loops briefly before the main rap flow begins. The theme is that of Consequence and retaliation. The track feels like a declaration of intent—a warning shot to unseen adversaries. It’s about drawing a line in the sand and dealing with the backlash of being authentic. The production is sparse but heavy, driven by the menacing bass. The vocal delivery is quick and precise, often running ahead of the beat, creating a tense, unsettled feeling. The song is high-energy, slightly aggressive, and intensely focused. It sets the tone that this album won’t be easy listening, but rather a direct challenge.

The second song is called “Medicine”. A melodic, minor-key piano arpeggio introduces the track, quickly joined by a slow, heavy, reggae-influenced beat. The sound is melancholic but carries a slight swagger. The theme is Self-medication and coping mechanisms. The lyrics explore the blurred lines between seeking relief and succumbing to bad habits, likely referencing mental health struggles and the search for temporary fixes in a chaotic world. The use of the guitar provides a dramatic, soulful contrast to the hard drums. The chorus is surprisingly catchy, utilizing layered vocals for a momentary lift before sinking back into the reflective verses. The song is upbeat and catchy but also Moody and introspective, with moments of profound sadness mixed with a sense of reluctant acceptance.

Next is “Get Down”. The song opens with a sudden, sharp sample (possibly a siren or alarm) that cuts through, leading immediately into a fast-paced, high-BPM rhythm built around complex hi-hat patterns and a driving kick drum. This is the album’s clear banger—a track focused entirely on letting loose and finding liberation through movement and noise. It’s a necessary break from the intensity of the previous tracks. Musically, it is a dense, layered arrangement with unexpected instrumental flourishes (maybe a brass hit or processed guitar). The vocal performance here is full-throttle, leaning into pure rhythmic power rather than deep lyrical complexity. The whole song is Adrenaline-fueled, restless, and completely chaotic in the best way. It makes you want to move.

At number four is “My Life. The song opens with a retro and disco-like melody. The Theme is an Autobiographical narrative and identity. The track is a direct look at the artist’s personal history, struggles, and the formation of their current identity. It’s about owning one’s narrative, flaws and all. Musically, it is very dynamic. The verses are quiet and vulnerable, almost spoken word, while the chorus introduces heavier bass and a more assured vocal delivery. The beat structure is complex, matching the narrative flow. The song is deeply engaging and sincere. It feels like an intimate conversation, inspiring empathy and a sense of connection with the artist’s journey.

Up next is “Speak To Me”. A bright, echoing acoustic guitar riff forms the bedrock of the intro, suggesting a brief sonic departure from the hard Hip Hop elements. The drums enter softly, providing a gentle momentum. The theme of the song is A plea for communication and clarity. Lyrically, this track deals with strained relationships, miscommunication, or the desire for guidance. It’s the most openly vulnerable song so far. Musically, the acoustic elements blend surprisingly well with a subtle electronic bass. Deciderata utilizes a significant amount of melody in the vocals here, almost singing the hook. This musical choice perfectly underscores the yearning in the lyrics. The song is Tender, yearning, and emotionally exposed. It’s a moment of necessary softness and hardness within the album’s overall intensity.

Next is “Four Twenty”. Instantly recognizable by a classic jazz-inspired bass rhythm, followed by a chilled-out, smoky atmosphere created by hazy synth textures and delayed percussion. The Theme is Contemplation and relaxation. As the title suggests, the track is a clear ode to mellowing out and achieving a state of elevated thought. It acts as the mid-album chill-out session, focused on slow-motion observation. Musically, the groove is everything. The track settles into a hypnotic, lo-fi beat that encourages listeners to sink into the sound. The vocals are subdued, delivered in a laid-back, almost meditative style. The Relaxed, hazy, and profoundly chilled out. It’s a sonic sigh of relief.

The song that follows is titled “Soldiers”. It opens with Militaristic snare rolls and deep, rumbling sub-bass kick off this track with an undeniable air of menace. A distorted group vocal chant is buried in the mix, evoking a feeling of unity in conflict. The song talks about Solidarity and resilience in the face of struggle. This track is an anthem for the underdogs—a rally cry about fighting battles (personal or social) as a united front. It returns to the confrontational energy of “Bite” but with collective purpose. Musically, Heavy, industrial-tinged production dominates. The tempo is slow but impactful, designed to feel powerful and inexorable. The vocal delivery is authoritative and resonant. All this makes the song empowering, determined, and slightly intimidating. It leaves you feeling ready to take on a challenge.

The next song is called “Change”. The song opens with  A cyclical, slightly melancholic acoustic guitar riff, reminiscent of 90s alternative rock, which is quickly layered with a clean, simple drum pattern. The song talks about the necessity and difficulty of self-improvement and evolution. Lyrically, the song tackles the internal struggle required to break old habits and embrace a new path, suggesting that true reflection (the album’s title) must lead to action. Musically, it is the most conventionally “song-like” track, with a strong verse-chorus structure and a melodic focus. The arrangement builds steadily, introducing strings or synth pads in the second verse to increase emotional weight. The tone is Hopeful but realistic. It’s a soundtrack for late-night walks and tough decisions.

The second-to-last song is called “The New Song”. This intro is an abstract, ethereal wash of guitar sounds and reverb-drenched sax processing that creates a dreamlike, almost ambient opening. It feels like waking up in a new, slightly strange environment. The theme of the song is Creation and artistic rebirth. This track serves as a meta-commentary on the art-making process—the excitement of creating something novel and the freedom that comes with abandoning past constraints. This is where the production gets experimental. The beat drops in late and is syncopated and off-kilter. The song is cerebral and full of forward-looking energy. It suggests the artist has found a new direction.

The concluding song is called “Big Bad Jimmy”. A sudden, aggressive, distorted guitar pulse immediately grabs attention, followed by a raw, gritty beat reminiscent of early trap or grimy production. This song is a metaphorical character study or cautionary tale. “Big Bad Jimmy” likely represents either an external threat, an internal demon, or a societal ill. The song acts as the final confrontation with the “big bad” element of the album’s reflections. The most abrasive track on the album. The bass is crushing, the percussion is sharp, and the instrumental loop is repetitive and driving. The vocal delivery is fast, punchy, and utterly relentless, ending the album on a note of defiant energy. It is Intense, confrontational, and cathartic. It leaves you feeling like the journey is over, but the fight continues.

“Reflections:1” marks a bold new chapter for Deciderata — and a long-awaited return. After time away from the spotlight, the band regrouped with one mission: to breathe new life into their past work and honor their signature Tru-Fusion sound. What they created is nothing short of electric. Pulling from an eclectic mix of funk, screamo, nu-metal, gospel, jazz, rock, and reggae, Deciderata transforms familiar tracks into vibrant, reimagined experiences. Each song feels like a journey through the band’s creative universe — unpredictable, fearless, and unmistakably theirs. Guided by Chris Morano’s sharp vision and meticulous production, “Reflections:1” shines as a testament to the group’s relentless artistry and refusal to be boxed in. As a listener, I was blown away by the sheer range of genres woven so seamlessly together. This album didn’t just entertain me — it reminded me why I love music in the first place. I’m proud to call myself a fan of this incredibly talented band, and I implore you to give “Reflections:1” a spin. Trust me: you won’t just hear it — you’ll feel it. And you might walk away changed, just like I did.

Stream the “Reflections:1” album on Spotify.

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