“Tomorrow there’s a promise to keep” sings multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Devon Geyer on his debut record as the band Decorations. That sentiment about deep regrets, lost chances and things squandered comes up frequently on this ripe collection of songs, so expertly crafted and accessible (think Elvis Costello meets Weezer)—even mature beyond their years for such a recent Berklee College of Music grad and relative unknown. An EP slipped out in 2015, largely unnoticed, but the full album already has a single (“Have Fun”) that popped up on the show Quantico recently. It’s a lush, pop-infused and creative batch of songs.
What works do well? The first two tracks provide a hint of things to come. “Girls” is full of double entendres about screwed up relationships and a funny line about how hard it is to be so dumb. The ‘90s are back, and they have a wild mix of innuendos, slam-fisted power chords, fantastic drums (the only instrument Geyer did not play) and several yelps and howls. The Costello reference makes sense when you watch the video. Geyer seems like a young version of the eclectic British songwriter right down to the haircut and how he sings into a microphone, but only if you can remember the Costello from his My Aim is True and This Year’s Model era. Back then, we didn’t use terms like post-punk. Costello was “aiming” to create easily digestible pop hits, and it worked famously. On “Promise” Geyer does roughly the same thing. His voice has a velvet coating; the chorus pummels you with joy. “At Your Leisure” is another “hit” single that might show up as the closer on another ABC show, making you wonder if a couple of ‘90s bands have come back from the dead.
My favorite song is called “Believer” with its fast-paced guitar work and that chunky bass you might remember if you lived through the ‘90s. At times, Decorations sounds as impressive as other faux pa pop bands like Nada Surf, which has lasted for 25 years making music that’s constructed entirely out of catchy melodies and fine guitar playing. Geyer has the same musical senses, adding a quick twisty guitar part at the end just because. “Enemy” has some Brit rock cred, even though Geyer is based in LA, and an underlying synth part that’s obviously on short-term loan from CHVRCHES. “Care For You” reveals a bit more about where this is all heading, that Geyer was messing with you on earlier tracks when he dropped all of the F-bombs. There’s an actual point. The guy is endearingly optimistic about relationships and waiting for the right opportunity. On “Right Here,” he sings about a pipe bomb dream and that he dropped a pin in a stream (oops), reminiscing about what could have worked. You pick up the fact that he might be a bit lonely and desperate, a.k.a. the shared human experience.
Have Fun betrays its own title. The songs are melodically addictive; they didn’t come about in a basement over a tuna sandwich. There’s some artistry at work, even if the music video for the title track makes Geyer seem like he’s dancing at a middle school prom.
I’m not sure what promise he made on the opening song, but Geyer has a future as a songwriter and musician. Maybe he needs to find a solid backing band, maybe not. Either way, remember his name—he might be making records for the next 25 years.