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The Best Band on Campus

InDeo, probably one of the most talked-about bands on campus, have just taken the next step along the road to world domination. OK so this might not be the intended mission but after the success of last year, reaching the Battle of the Bands final, playing Woodstock and being able to finance a four track CD and then give them away for free complete with a complimentary copy of Mark’s gospel, you could be forgiven for thinking that InDeo had reached their peak. With two band members moving away from York, the InDeo phenomenon seemed to be coming to a close. It seems that God had other ideas; in the last month InDeo have played to hundreds of young people in York Minster and now have won three days recording and the title of Best Band on Campus.

Photo: Matt Neighbour

Originally, InDeo were turned down for this years BoB because of their two non-university members. A late band cancellation brought the band an invitation to play and in a fairytale story reminiscent of Goran Iva-whats-his-name at Wimbledon last summer they eventually rocked their little hearts out to be crowned University Of York BoB champions 2002.

Surprisingly, most punters agreed that InDeo were worthy victors, despite their musical style not being favourite with everyone. The band played a very slick set, coming across as professional, well rehearsed yet passionate. The nine musicians were successfully coordinated in skilful arrangements that demonstrated a wide range of influences and allowed individual talents to shine through. InDeo’s trademark string section was given many opportunities to add elegance and could thankfully be heard this year. The rest of the band was on top form, with Matt Seddon especially rocking it with a weightier-than-usual guitar sound. Another highlight was when Phil Adlam (vocals, lead violin) took the lead on acoustic guitar, showcasing his intimate vocals in his own song, a beautiful acoustic composition with some intricate string work.

[Photo of InDeo over the heads of the audience]

Photo: Matt Neighbour

Front man John Simmons took his usual approach of introducing the band as Christians, saying a few words about the meaning behind some songs then letting the songs do the rest of the talking. InDeo’s faith was clearly visible but never forced on the audience. Upon winning the band were almost speechless, thanking God then playing an energetic encore that equalled the energy of the first set. It was very strange but fantastic to be jumping around worshipping God in Langwith dining hall at 1:30am!

Congratulations, then, to InDeo. Where they go from here, God only knows!

Martin Parkes

Last modified: 25th November 2005