Deca
Dull Colors

Deca's discography is almost devoid of singles, meaning tracks officially released on specific media. With the exception of a couple of isolated early songs that appeared in the mid-80s on anonymous compilations and a few 12" records that were, however, released as part of side projects, his production has always focused on true concept albums; circulated through more or less orthodox channels, always with a precise compositional identity.

The only true single ever pressed remains "Dull Colors/Harp," an autonomous 45 not officially distributed and not part of any album or broader project. It came to light in the spring of 1988 on 7" vinyl - with a very limited run - and placed itself midway between the two LPs "Synthetic Lips" - earlier by a few months - and the subsequent "Claustrophobia"; clearly distancing itself from the more Jarre-like and ambient style of the former and approaching the more industrial and darkwave sound bases of the latter.

In fact, the song "Dull Colors" perfectly marries certain trends of that period (think of the Sisterhood temporarily born from the ashes of the Sisters of Mercy) and anticipates with more predictable and less rarefied atmospheres what would be the most successful vocal track of "Claustrophobia," namely "Inframorte." Based on a slow, almost tribal rhythmic pace, with a sparse electronic bassline, the piece benefits from a vocal crescendo that culminates in the finale with a more rocking opening, complete with guitar and drums. And here, the roots that inspired Deca seem to be many, from the Cure of "Pornography" to Dead Can Dance and indeed Sisterhood, although a distinctive trademark that draws life from his own early LPs (especially "Alkaid") can already be identified.

The B-side track, on the other hand, is an instrumental piece closer to certain Depeche Mode elements, although the atmosphere is essentially ambient and embroidered on a melancholic melody, made of sounds still far from the experiments that have made Deca a leader in electronic music.

Precious as a collectible item (it is said only about ten copies were pressed), it remains an interesting transitional chapter and also quite unusual in the long arc of his career. "Dull Colors" is nevertheless a very beautiful and engaging song, which would not have looked out of place in the celebrated bands' repertoire of the time.