DELAYS - Hooray (Fiction - 28/04/08)
(watch Hooray video here)

Review by Dawn

It's been a long time coming (hey, wasn't that a song?) but at last we're nearing the date when those Delays boys will once again knock us sideways with the wonder of new album Everything's the Rush (released 05/05/08).

In the meantime, though, this shimmering slice of guitar heaven is as close as we're allowed to get to the new tunes, as previewed on their recent sell-out tour.

The string quartet intro is intriguing yet deceptive - the distinctive guitars soon kick in, to be followed by the beautifully layered vocal harmonies which are becoming the band's trademark.

Then, at around two minutes and 15 seconds in, the track hits its goosebump-inducing peak. The guitars die off to leave only the seductive strings and Greg Gilbert's angelic growl - sounding more spine-tingling than ever as he begs "Don’t you be late".

You'd never believe that such a jubilant, up-tempo melody actually sits alongside lyrics written about having OCD. But then you'd also find it hard to believe that these talented Southampton lads have still yet to reach the level of success that they deserve. Fingers crossed that the new album will finally be the one to propel them into the media spotlight.

The boys are on tour again in May. Hooray for Delays.

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