Song Review: “Stable” by Tentative Decisions
“I don’t know man, I just work here”
It’s not just the ubiquity of this phrase in today’s culture–it’s that it feels justified. In many ways, it encapsulates the apathy that defines our world, worn down by the unyielding grind of a society fixated on the bottom line in every corner of life. For some, this apathy stems from genuine callousness, a disconnect from the world around them. For others, it’s a result of sheer exhaustion, a casual breaking point after a workload that never seems to let up. Either way, the root cause remains troubling, contributing to the pervasive sense of discomfort that seems to be felt everywhere these days. There’s little we can do to escape that, but at least we can keep moving forward with a sense of rhythm, thanks to bands like Tentative Decisions, who offer a smooth and sleek way to counteract the burden.
“Stable” is a quintessential post-punk anthem, with its beauty rooted in a steady, marching tension. The groove remains unyielding, yet carries a sharp edge that transforms distress into an unsettling sense of normalcy. The track pulses with both urgency and complacency, its acerbic vocals barking around the constant rhythm as if vying to either break it or mend it, whichever offers the quickest solution and reprieve. This intensifies the feeling of pushing forward despite the chaos lurking beneath, with each beat acting as a deliberate step into the unknown, a reflection of the internal struggle between control and collapse.
The true beauty lies in the simplicity of the song, crafting something profound through a straightforward groove of just bass, guitar, and drums. It’s yet another reflection of our time, where even a simple shrug can capture the nervous energy that surrounds us. Tentative Decisions doesn’t need much to convey this, but their execution remains utterly compelling. Just one listen will have it lingering in your mind, the beat never truly stopping—only muting at times, waiting for the perfect moment to subtly crescendo into a full-blown meltdown, one that you’ve simultaneously dreaded and desired. It’s a haunting reminder that stability is often just an illusion, and the only constant is change, whether voluntary or involuntary. As the band says: “It always has been this way. Not stable.”
“Stable” is available now on all streaming platforms. To learn more about Tentative Decisions and stay up-to-date on their upcoming shows and releases, be sure to follow them on social media.
