Dan Deacon, Oval Space

When Dan Deacon broke through with 2007’s Spiderman of the Rings, listening to his music was like being trapped in an old cartoon. The opening track Wooody Wooodpecker even utilized that character’s irritating laugh. 

The Music

Beyond the madcap surface, though, Deacon’s music was exploratory, euphoric and surprisingly emotional. The epic Wham City, with its shouted nursery rhyme vocals and prismatic breakdown, became one of the defining tracks of the year. Now, touring his brilliant new album Gliss Riffer, Deacon is playing a rare UK gig at Oval Space. His live shows have long had a reputation for wild on-stage antics, musical playfulness and a communal vibe. 

Dan Deacon: Influences and Background

Although he hails from Long Island, Deacon’s music has long been associated with Baltimore, where he has resided since 2004. His first two albums, released while studying electro-acoustic and computer music, are almost entirely instrumental. He followed them up with a pair of records based on sine waves. But then, from Twacky Cats (2004) onwards, he launched into a series of EPs that pilfered samples from pop’s past. 

Evolving Sound

Soon, his Day-Glo aesthetic was born. Spiderman of the Rings received massive acclaim from tastemakers Pitchfork Media, and Deacon’s avant-leaning music reached a wider crowd. Bromst (2009) was richer, deeper, smoother, with a complex brew of sounds that somehow managed to sound clear and simple; highlight ‘Snookered’ melded Steve Reich to a sentimental near-ballad. And on 2012’s America, Deacon worked on an even broader canvas, with gigantic minimalist suites sitting aside manic pop miniatures.

Dan Deacon New Album

Critics have adored Gliss Riffer, which heralds Deacon’s transformation from electronic madman to purveyor of eccentric electro-pop. It’s a cooing, pillow-y confection, with Deacon’s manipulated voice providing an illusory shapes and glimmer. Book now to see this pop weirdo in action.