Manchester outfit ‘Delights’ have been on my radar since they released ‘Sometimes, Lately’ over 5 years ago which offered a blend of dreampop and indie whilst sounding fresh with a retro twist.

The group is made up of Adam Maxwell (Vocals), Ben Squires (Guitarist), Ben Kirkland (Bassist), Leo Willis (Drummer), and Cameron Stephenson (Percussionist). Consistently over the past few years, the five-piece have been releasing bodies of work like 2022 ‘Cool Sports’ but always chasing more as Willis states, “This is the only moment you have your debut album. So, step outside your comfort zone and experiment.”

The idea of being in a band is the main focus of the record with the band using life struggles and joys to turn into music. “I was quite conscious that,” Maxwell states,” if we want it to stand our test of time, I want to know where I was and where we were as a collective.”

‘Silk skin’ starts with an acoustic guitar before the other elements crash in. Starting with a basic ballad before the rhythm section and his voice scream for a past love that they miss. The acoustic acts like a backbone throughout.

The cymbals ring/simmer before the bass starts the ethereal journey on ‘Say What’s on Your Mind.’ Influences of The Night Café and Viola Beach are evident with the beautiful harmonies and the dream pop aesthetic. Blues and psychedelia are spat out of the guitar creating a wonderous riff.

The synth is backed up by Motorik drumming creating an industrial landscape which the bass backs up on ‘Two Times Over.’ Maxwell hits the falsetto with ease before doing an elegant album drop with “Does Heaven look a little like this, I’d like to go cause, I’d find it too hard to resist.” Then winding like a broken machine.

‘Take a picture’ offers a Sc-fi like approach with the starting synth before the rhythm section swarms in. The guitar acts like a brush painting a picture which the vocals elaborate over. The robotic effect just adds to the futuristic elements already used.

The drums pound away on ‘Soft top’ from the beginning keeping a steady groove throughout. The harmonies are immaculate, the backing vocals acting like the lead’s guardian.

‘The Way Things Used To Be’ is a sorrowful piano ballad yearning for an ex-love which shows a more delicate and personal side to an otherwise upbeat band. Maxwell’s vocals show remorse as well as providing a level of solace. The guitar lick adds a level of positivity for a brief moment.

Sounding Foals inspired ‘I think you should know’ shows the band as a unit. The drumming is powerful acting like a driving force allowing the guitar and bass to weave through out. The harmonies are top notch at times sounding as one allowing truly little to decipher each.

Cowbell is always needed as seen on ‘And it Goes’ before energy surges through. The guitar gives a listener a needing sense to run. It feels like you are being chased or sat in a car with wind blowing on your face. Flying too close to the sun would be an easy joke to make.

‘Hotel Lobby’ shows the musicianship of each member of the band with groove ridden baseline, the silky guitar work with the disco like drumming which provides an impression of being in the Hotel Chateau Marmont in the early seventies. A flawless transition into ‘Hotel Bar’ wants a person to dance. No wonder these supported Blossoms as this sounds very Blossoms laced. Elements of EDM are evident with this disco track.

‘Say it once’ has a Marr riff mixed with Rourke bass line with a drum beat to match so a The Smiths song without the pretentiousness. The lyrics don’t match the uplifting music, but it still works so well.

‘Adore Her’ sounds like a full circle moment being an acoustic guitar to bow out the album. A love song that doesn’t need much just a guitar, vocals, and harmonies. The love seeps from Maxwell’s and co.’s vocals warmth radiating out.

It’s not easy to make a debut album but to try and push the music into places you’ve not ventured before is even harder but The Delights do it with ease. Combining elements of Daft Punk inspired EDM on ‘Hotel Bar’ or blues and psychedelia on various songs. Each member show why they deserve to make a debut. A basis of dreampop but expanding on it with clear influences of The 1975, The Night Café and Blossoms and making it their own.

Delights: If Heaven Looks A Little Like This – Out 17 January 2025 (Modern Sky)

– And It Goes (Official Music Video)