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3/5 - Emma Johnston, KERRANG!, July 2009
"Science Fiction Theatre is apparantly a tiny, self sufficient label run from a bedroom in Manchester, a fact that leads to visions of indie schmindy weediness. But times and technology have changed and the scale of The Deceived's ambition is reflected in this weighty, earnest debut. While there are nods to old school, pre-eyeliner emo, dipping into similar pools of angst as Fightstar, along with shades of fat-riffed post rock atmospherics, The Deceived are in love with overstuffed choruses and the kind of stadium chest beating Bush excelled in. As subtle as a brick, then, but with this kind of attitude they're liable to battle their way to exactly where they want to be"
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4/5 - Tracy Lowe, Big Cheese Magazine, July 2009
"It’s about time Manchester was associated with something rather than Oasis and football, and these lads could be the next big hope. Opener, and single, ’Cantilever’ is beautifully haunting, with Samuel Netherwood’s delicately soulful vocals, before descending into Muse-style madness. ‘The Mute’ is a stirring ballad, perfect for summer with amazing lyrics, the refrain “For fuck’s sake we’ll be fine†is a particular gem. The Deceived have an absolutely massive sound, but without increasing the decibels. The album has real depth, without being over-indulgent. Epic final track ‘No Quarter Asked’ displays this perfectly, building from almost nothing to an amazing crescendo, reminiscent of old school Bush. Definitely a band to watch out for, with material this strong they are destined for big things."
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4/5 - JA, www.manchestermusic.co.uk, July 2009
"I was asked the other day if I’d heard of The Deceived and I fumbled a bit. It seemed a familiar name. That I was being asked this very question in the Roadhouse was even more poignant, as later research informed me that I’d actually watched the band no less than 20 feet away in April of last year. Then they were known as By The Dorcia Deceived and the truncated name change seems to work well for them.
The Deceived are still a progressive rock band with various infectiously attractive noises procured from the Oceansize catalogue of large-sized-effects. I’d say however, that The Deceived have worked hard to create their own atmospheric standards. “Cantilever†and the more jangly “The Sky Is Falling In†allows Sam Netherwood’s voice to effortless overlay the considered structures with a delicate but determined series of melodies. “The Mute†certainly passes into a more ethereal place, flavoured with hints of EMO and welcome orchestrated crescendos. “This Vienna Theory†ups the intricacy of the guitars, weaving in prominent doses of the quiet / loud formula. The driving “I Adore This City†would make a great single, its almost bottomless bass crashes hard, working eloquently with the driven guitars and clambering vocal lines. There are various progressive moments at play and the album takes a mid-set break to explore a variety of weightless, floating soundscapes. I think The Deceived are most comfortable when relaying their long vocal messages and their interrupting, explosive peaks which all have a considered and admirably destructive beauty."
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3.5/5 - Pete Whalley, www.getreadytorock.com, July 2009
"Manchester 5 piece The Deceived launch their pretty impressive debut album Monuments. And for a band without an apparent web site (unless you count their Myspace page) or any easily googled info, it's a remarkably mature piece of work.
Described as a mix of Math and EMO (and if it means intelligent rock with emotional vocals, then The Deceived tick both boxes), the band deliver a cunning combination of hard hitting rock (think Tool), angular rhythms (think Biffy Clyro) and some glorious melodies (think latter day Marillion).
To my mind, perhaps at their most creative on the quieter passages - try, for example, The Mute or This Vienna Theory which are beautifully played and sung with some lovely chiming guitar work and some superb vocals from Sam Netherwood, the band's modus operandi is to interlace some bludgeoning rifferamma into their song structure.
But for me these two approaches aren't always comfortable bedfellows. A little less aggression on the thunderous guitar passages, and The Deceived would be up there with Kings Of Leon. And if you don't believe me, have a listen to You Wanted An Afterword, I Gave You An End - all the ingredients are there. They just need to exercise a little restraint at times."
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Cantilever - Promo Video: