3rd Deck push their boundaries and find their voice on EP, "The Fallout"
It’s a rare thing to catch a band right in the middle of their stride — a moment where the lessons learned from early releases crystallize, and a distinct identity starts to really take hold. That’s exactly where Abbotsford, BC’s 3rd Deck finds themselves on The Fallout, their third EP since forming in 2021. A product of friendship, collective creativity, and sheer stubborn dedication, this record is the clearest and most compelling portrait yet of who this band is and where they’re headed.
After the buzz around 2023’s Caution EP and its breakout track that still enjoys spins on internet radio stations worldwide, expectations were quietly high for what 3rd Deck would do next. And though The Fallout took a little longer to arrive than the band originally intended — two years in the making — it’s evident from the opening moments that the wait was worth it. What’s surfaced is a lean, 18-minute collection of songs that capture the grit, heart, and camaraderie that’s made 3rd Deck such a likable, unpretentious force in their scene.
The band’s 90s alt-rock influence remains foundational to their sound, but this time around, there’s a noticeable widening of their sonic palette. Hints of post-punk urgency flicker beneath the surface of some of the more propulsive tracks, while moments of prog and art-rock ambition subtly sneak their way into the arrangements. This is still a rock record first and foremost — big guitars, muscular basslines, and drums that demand to be felt as much as heard — but there’s a confidence in The Fallout that lets the band take their time, add layers, and experiment without losing their core.
A huge part of what makes this EP resonate is its vocal performance. Gritty and raw, but never losing a sense of melody or approachability, the vocals sit perfectly in the mix — powerful enough to command attention, but human enough to carry the introspective weight of the lyricism. These aren’t throwaway rock clichés; they’re honest, sometimes searching reflections on navigating life’s fallout zones, both personal and communal. The lyrics explore uncertainty, resolve, and the inevitable reckoning that follows choices made and bridges burned, giving the EP a sense of thematic cohesion even as it dabbles stylistically.
Instrumentally, The Fallout is heavier than its predecessor, but never in a way that feels forced or gratuitous. The guitars are crunchy and dynamic, veering from jagged riffs to atmospheric flourishes, while the rhythm section provides both punch and nuance. You can hear a band that’s spent countless hours together in rehearsal rooms and makeshift home studios, working out arrangements by feel as much as by theory. The result is a sound that’s tight without being overly polished, alive without being chaotic.
It’s worth noting that 3rd Deck remains a fully self-produced outfit, co-writing every song as a collective. In our era of endlessly polished, algorithm-friendly rock releases, there’s something refreshing about hearing a band that still believes in the value of doing it themselves, trusting their instincts, and evolving on their own terms. That creative independence is a through-line here, and it gives The Fallout a sense of authenticity that can’t be manufactured.
More than anything, this EP is fun. It’s meant to be played loud, preferably in a car with the windows down or in a packed dive bar where the sweat drips from the ceiling. Yet it’s also layered and thoughtful enough to reward repeat listens. That balance — visceral energy paired with introspective depth — is what makes The Fallout a standout release for 3rd Deck and a sign of even better things to come.
They’re not just chasing the ghosts of 90s alt-rock anymore — they’re shaping their own version of it, and it sounds damn good. Crank this one up and get listening! You can also follow along to stay tuned for more by clicking those links below.
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