Band spotlight: Deco

The unrivalled masters of 80’s inspired anthems, colourful upcoming indie-pop band Deco are set to be the next big thing for British pop.

Their effortless fusion of catchy choruses and synthesized pop melodies has produced some instant mood boosters, perfect for reducing the lockdown blues.

Influenced by the unmistakable sounds of The Human League, Duran Duran and Wham!, the London-based band inject a similar energy to their own music that will keep you coming back for more.

After their first single Chances in 2017, Deco went from strength to strength with their following self-motivating singles ‘Upside Down’, ‘Don’t Waste Your Time’ and ‘Dreamer’, solidifying the distinctive, kaleidoscopic sound of Deco. Their latest release ‘Brakes On’ is a seamless blend of eighties energy and contemporary affairs - a confident reminder that the band never fails to provide a dose of irresistible electro pop that you never knew you needed.

Despite delayed tour plans and socially distanced shows, the band have used the pandemic to their creative advantage: as well as their own distinctive uptempo releases, Deco recently went viral on social media after posting a reimagined 80’s version of Oasis’ Wonderwall, set to Bronski Beat’s Smalltown Boy. The cover amassed more than a million views on Twitter in twenty-four hours and even caught the attention of Liam Gallagher and Bronski Beat’s frontman Jimmy Somerville.

The band followed up with equally popular retro covers of Wannabe, set to the melody of Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye, and a mashup of Robbie Williams’ Angels to Simple Minds’ Don’t You Forget About Me.

But it’s Deco’s original music that deserves the real attention: layers of velvety synth hooks, funky guitar solos and head-nodding drum beats make it near-impossible to not instinctively bop along. The vitality of frontman Max Kendall’s vocals completes the feel-good energy of Deco’s music. Their debut EP, ‘Real Life’ - the result of lockdown recording sessions - is the perfect mood booster and dance party soundtrack, bringing a splash of much needed colour to the dreary winter days. Each song joyfully transports you back to a vibrant pre-pandemic world of parties, beaches and relationships.

Pre-covid, Deco’s gigs were just as bright and bold as their colourful outfit choices: their twelve-date Dreamer tour saw packed crowds dancing and singing along to every anthemic chorus. Playing at Sheffield’s own Cafe Totem in November 2019, Deco’s infectious energy flooded the room and brought a smile to every face - a scene we can only hope to see again soon.

Whether it's more viral throwback covers or their own original bops, it’s set to be an exciting, hit-filled 2021 for Deco.

Edited by Hannah Youds