When The Harvey Girls’ married pair Hiram Lucke and Melissa Rodenbeek left Kansas for Oregon in 2006, they made a record to say goodbye to the friends, family, and ghosts they left behind. Declinate’s waves of psychedelic shoegaze sound and passionate lyrics declare love, loss, and uncertain hope for the future. Originally released as a quieter companion to Nutate, the record features playing and singing from THG friends/bandmates Brent Piepergerdes and Josh Millard. The final song, 'Whispering Hope', was recorded by Hiram from a 78 rpm record of a haunting 1941 performance by his grandmother and her sisters, singing close harmony together in a Kansas country church. In later years, the youngest of these sisters would be killed by her abusive husband after making the courageous decision to leave him.

Although this EP is free, Hiram and Melissa ask that you give a donation to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) in honor of Hiram’s great aunt to help future abuse survivors reach safety and healing. Thanks to SVC Records for originally releasing the record in 2007; to Steve Squire, who mastered it; and to Tom at Circle Into Square for working so hard to share our music and message, and for being an excellent friend.  The lyrics for the album can be found here.