Nothing really sets the Delays apart from other mediocre Brit pop rock bands. They are all trapped in limbo between the achievements of Radiohead and Oasis and the sewage of bands like__________and__________(I can't remember any Brit bands that I thought were absolutely horrendous). No matter how ordinary the band may be, they achieve the same lush and atmospheric sound; many American bands are commended for reciprocating the same sound, while it is expected of Brit groups. It is a given that the Delays' debut album, Faded Seaside Glamour, has some degree of that opulence.
Greg Gilbert's harmoniously high falsetto is angelic and it is one characteristic that could tie this band to British giant Thom Yorke's emotive wailing, or Chris Martin's distinctive croon. When Gilbert sings in an octave that registers to human ears, his voice becomes scratchy and faintly nasal, like label cohort Finn Andrews of the Veils. While his falsetto is a distraction, his normal voice divulges less than stellar lyrics.
The songs that stand out on the album are the ones where Gilbert's airy falsetto is on target. On "Wanderlust," the band plays on the album title by using steel drums to transport the listener to a salty, breezy seaside with Gilbert's smooth vocals, whereas "Nearer than Heaven" brings elevation and musical ecstasy as he ascends each note. The instruments back down on both tracks, letting Gilbert's vocals shine. In contrast, "There's Water Here" features solely Gilbert and his guitar. Besides sounding uncomfortably empty, the song reveals Gilbert's rough transitions from low to high notes.
"Stay Where You Are" features distorted guitar slides that do not match with the spacey and slick chorus. The dichotomy creates a fascinating song that otherwise would be rather boring, with repetitious lyrics. "On" closes the album on an unattractive note; it should've been left out to make "One Night Away" the last song. Similar to "Hey Girl," "One Night Away" is sophisticated songwriting that evokes 60's California pop. There is a balance of aggressive instrumentation and beautiful vocal harmonies that bring out the best qualities of the band. "On," however, repeats the same three tedious lines for almost three whole minutes. The bass drum, guitar, and handclaps come in sporadically while several voices sing in unnecessary cluttered harmonies.
To make it in the American market, foreign bands must be innovative and progressive or excel in being mediocre. Some hype is also extremely helpful. The Delays have made a respectable effort, but it is not enough to impress and appeal to a large number of people.
