GIG REVIEW: Delays
- Posted on March 14, 2008 11:46 AM
- 0 comments
Delays
Oxford Academy
11 March 2008
Review by Paul Beevers
Now this may sound like irrational exuberance but I’ve seen Delays twice in the space of four months now, and if there’s a more complete, more perfect pop act in the UK I’ve yet to hear them. Let me state my case.
They have an innate awareness of what separates the magical and transcendental from the merely quite good. As a result they shoot their songs through with a myriad of genius, spine-tingling touches. It’s evident in ‘Valentine’ when the song stops dead, then cuts back in for a final minute of electro euphoria. If you’re of a certain age imagine Simple Minds circa ‘New Gold Dream’ with a Giorgio Moroder production and you’re getting close.
It’s also evident in the exquisite middle eight which punctuates ‘Nearer Than Heaven’, the effects-laden guitars on new track ‘Touchdown’ and the sublime three part harmonies running through pretty much everything.
What else? For all their influences (New Order, Cocteau Twins, and The Byrds are frequently cited) they manage to write songs which are completely at home in the 21st century. ‘Panic Attacks’ is possibly their finest moment yet, where brothers Aaron and Greg Gilbert trade vocal duties, a half spoken vulnerable intro leading to an ecstatic, yearning chorus.
Delays visited the Oxford Academy tonight, and we got to hear all these songs plus a whole lot more. They’re a breathtaking live proposition, to the point where they now sound as good (if not better) on stage than they do on record.
It’s a national disgrace that The Frattellis and The Pigeon Detectives sell more records and play to far bigger audiences than these four young men, but it doesn’t seem to bother them so I’ll try not to let it bother me.
I’m just delighted that after all these years (I’m knocking on OK?) there’s still a band that can give me that inexplicable warm, life-affirming feeling that live music occasionally delivers, no matter how bad the rest of the day might have been.
I love Delays and their music. They truly deserve to be massive. Please make them stars.
EDITOR'S VERDICT:
My first brush with the Delays came earlier this week at their Camden Barfly gig. It's a good thing Paul was so thorough in his reviewer observations. By the time we arrived, the Editorial Audio Tarts were well oiled on espresso martinis and support band Mes Memoires (pictured right) oiled us even further. The duo of Southampton lads filled the little North London venue with instantly likeable tunes, catchy melodies and dare I say it, good looks. The suitably packed crowd sure liked them. A fitting opening it seemed, for the stunning musical orgy that is the Delays. The guys took us on a jam-packed journey through their back catalogue and soon-to-be-released gems. I couldn't see to save my life (damn those last-minute bladder mercy trips) but the occasional glimpse of frontman Greg’s shaggy blonde mop and blissed out expression proved that the band were having just as much fun as us. Every member of the crowd had an obvious and fiery sense of affection for the guys on stage and for once, we witnessed a band that returned the respect.
I've interviewed bass player Colin and Greg and am pleased to say they're as likeable in person as they are under the spotlight. Banter with the audience and with their fellow band mates ensured a gig with intimacy and a hell of a lot of familiarity - and that's coming from a first timer doused in so much red wine, familiarity with her own reflection was unlikely.
We came; every single one of us. By the looks of things, this orgy is going to get bigger.
Related links:
The Delays concert tickets.
Greg tells us about his best ever gig memory.
Interview with Colin.
Delays Hoxton Bar and Grill gig review.
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