My mental hype-machine warning siren was going off before I even opened this CD. The signs were there: Comparisons to bands like The La's and Cocteau Twins. Descriptions that make them sound like a Sixties retro band. A rather unnecessary and overly tenuous link to the Britpop era to show that these guys are 'cool.' Press photos that make the lead singer look absolutely dreamy, with a tuff of unkempt hair, eyelashes that could have probably not used that fourth layer of eyeliner and an artsy, aloof look about him. Praise from the NME and other "well-respected" British "music" magazines that say that Delays are so uncool they're cool and that they're poised for greatness (insert typical British music press hyperbole here). It's no surprise, then, that I was extremely reticent about this young band.
You can hopefully understand, then, the shock and awe I felt upon my first listen to Faded Seaside Glamour. Perhaps the most common mistake for a band to make--especially young British bands like Delays--is to emphasise style over substance. None of the hype really tells you anything about what Delays sound like. That's a shame, because music this subtle, graceful and pretty deserves to be the point of discussion, and I fear that talking about the band's hair or clothes will paint Delays as a superficial, image-obsessed band who compensate for a lack of talent by an overabundance of outside pretty.
Opening track "Wanderlust"--with its inticing calypso hook and lush, rich melody--sets the standard for Faded Seaside Glamour. Interestingly enough, "Wanderlust" shows that the hype machine may have a bit of a point: the calypso line instantly recalls the Hollies' "Carrie Ann," and the minute that lead singer Greg Gilbert opens his mouth, you're instantly reminded of Liz Frasier. The album then expands on the elements that make this song great, and that they can do so without sounding repetitive in their ideas is equally as impressive. Likewise, Faded Seaside Glamour is a continual, relentless punch in your music-loving soul, and you'll find yourself rooting for Delays. "Long Time Coming," the lead single, has been a hit in their native England--and deservedly so. Then again, when you have great songs like "Stay Where You Are," "One Night Away" and the catchy "Hey Girl," who needs the radio to make these songs a hit?
Of course, you should expect no less from a band with a singer like Greg Gilbert. When Gilbert hits the high notes--and he can, quite easily--Delays' songs take on a further dimension of ecstacy. His singing is easily the band's strongest asset, but one musn't ignore the band's surprisingly strong ability to mix both the psychedelic/folk movement of the Sixties and the retro movement from fifteen years ago which paid tribute to the Sixites. It's to Delays' credit that they did not overindulge in the elements that make Faded Seaside Glamour great; Gilbert's falsetto is breathtaking, but the band quite tastefully refrain from overwhelming every track with the one thing that makes the band great. Heck, on songs like "Nearer than Heaven" and "No Ending," you're left thinking, "why isn't he singing MORE like he did before?" Thankfully, even when they hold back, their songwriting doesn't suffer. They do, however, understand the concept of showmanship, as the wonderful, singalong album closer "On" will leave you both wanting more and hitting repeat.
Let's hope that Delays can break free from the hype machine--even though the hype is spot-on--because Faded Seaside Glamour proves that there's a lot of potential for this young band. This album is one of the surprising treats of 2004, and if Delays can deliver on 1/10th of the promise that they've shown here, then their' future is certain. Faded Seaside Glamour is easily one of the best records of the summer
--Joseph Kyle
Artist Website: http://www.thedelays.co.uk
Label Website: http://www.roughtraderecords.com
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