Faded Seaside Glamour

by

Delays

Edit

One of those rare debuts that you'll probably remember for the rest of your life. I was absolutely shocked when I found out they were all male. But after watching a video of their's, it definitely fits.

Wanderlust (10) - The intro is a surprise, and then they hit you with those Cockteau Twin wails. Incredibly beautiful. Dreamy. Spacy. Angelic. Everything I ever wanted from music.

Nearer Than Heaven (10) - Can it get any better? Absolutely. My second favorite from the album. These harmonies send shivers. I'm now addicted. But wait, there's more...

Long Time Coming (10) - Favorite from the album, and maybe song of the year. Not only are they off to an amazing vocal start, you also begin to realize what great musicians they are. Man, I can't wait to see these guys live. You know what? This may be the best first-three-song combo on an album since The Joshua Tree. I am dead serious. Ok, 25% through the album, and so far, so perfect.

Bedroom Scene (8) - I first felt that this song started a stretch of several ho-hum songs. I underrated it. I really like it now. They continue to amaze.

No Ending (6) - Well, they lose me a little here. Not a bad song, but I see myself skipping this. Drop the lowest grade, class.

You Wear The Sun (7) - It has its moments...but...I call this the "slow" part of the album now... With a few more listens, I expect both this and "No Ending" to grow on me. This one is starting to.

Hey Girl (9) - This is the comeback song. This is so 60's to early 70's. It is so AM. I love it! I can't believe what memorable tunes these are. The perfect melodies.

Stay Where You Are (9) - The intro is a bit out of left field here. But it makes sense once it gets going. This is so soundtrack. What I mean is, this song would sound amazing in a movie. These guys are artists. I'm I gushing yet? Does it show? Wow.

There's Water Here (7) - The ballad. Pretty, but nothing much more than that.

Satellites Lost (9) - Beautiful. Sounds like a Stevie Nicks song. Easily one of the nicest on the album.

One Night Away (8) - Such a summer song! This is your typical great song if it were on a typical album. But this isn't that album.

On (8) - Beatles, Magical Mystery Tour? This is from the grandchild of that album. Very cool closer.

Well, in summary, this is probably the best album since Coldplay's Rush of Blood to the Head, and one of the best debuts ever.

Buy it unhesitatingly. Yo, that means not requiring a decision. Uh, I mean buy it now! Before they're all gone!

Long live Delays.

The immediate thing I thought when I heard 'Faded Seaside Glamour', 4AD label, circa early 90's. Here's a band to namedrop, anyone remember Spirea X? Anyways enough of the nostalgia. Occasionally an old sound will resonate with a new audience, and The Delays seem to capture this. The CD falls in the hazy area between atmospheric dream-pop and Byrds-tinged Britpop...Cocteau Twins meets Suede, which in fact describes The Sundays, but in this case can also describe The Delays. Very similar in sound, ethereal, washes of echoing guitars, accompanied by high-pitched pixie-like vocals. The exquisitely high voice of Greg Gilbert (yes they are male) is the centrepiece of the album, straddling between Elizabeth Fraser and The Bangles-type melodies. Although not lost in this swirly haze are flashes of mid 90's Britpop swagger, upbeat and optimistic, I don't why but The Trash Can Sinatras suddenly came to mind. Upon conclusion the last third of the album switches into a more melancholic mood, drifting into Mazzy Star territory. 'Faded Seaside Glamour' might be the quick fix needed for a UK music scene that's eternally searching for something different, and worth a listen if you're searching for the same thing.