LIVE REVEIW & GALLERY: Declan Welsh & the Decadent West @ Yellow Arch Studio’s, Sheffield

I embarked on a 5 hour bus, train and taxi pilgrimage to Yellow Arch Studios to watch Declan Walsh and the Decadent West, a band I’d fallen in love with instantly and booked tickets to see within one listen of their debut album “Cheaply Bought, Expensively Sold”.

First up were Chesterfield/Sheffield based Hideaway Club who were performing their very first gig. Up-tempo and likeable, the lads delivered their set with the professionalism of a band with years of industry experience. Melodic and infectious with killer riffs and dirty bass. It was clear to see from the crowd's jubilant reception they’d already built up quite the following within the area. Blending charismatic indie with elements of progressiveness and catchy choruses, Hideaway Club provided a vibrant, joyful opener.

Declan Welsh and the Decadent West followed. Outspoken, cocky Scottsman Declan is the perfect frontman. Confident and ballsy he owns the stage from the moment he arrives. Frequent political protest, rampant speeches about everything thats fucked in the country glue togther a set filled with high octane, raucous, sing your heart out indie rock. Screaming riffs, big attitudes, magnificent solos, thundering drums and 80’s tinged synths collided to make an infectious, full speed cacophony of brash addictiveness.

Although short in length (around an hour) the set was complied of a good mix of newer and older material showcasing 2023 releases ‘King of My Head’ and ‘I Don’t Know Why’ which were clearly already fan favourites. 2022 banger ‘Aw the Time’ provided a nice EDM moment while the likes of ‘No Fun’ and ‘Times’ saw the crowd in full voice. Show closer and biggest hit ‘Absurd’ we down a storm. I left very glad I made the 160 mile trek from Norfolk to Sheffield and itching to see Declan Welsh and the Decadent West when they tour again later in the year.

Full gallery here