With so many new indie guitar bands clamouring for our attention these days, it takes something pretty special to stand out from the crowd. Thankfully, Southampton's Delays have that mysterious X factor that elevates them well above the competition. Primarily it's down to the soaring falsetto of singer Greg Gilbert, which hints at a maturity and intelligence way beyond his tender years. But it's also due to the sheer quality of the songwriting, which draws from both the classic jangle-pop of the Byrds and the lyrical darkness of the La's. Delays are still finding their feet, and there's the odd faltering step on this debut album that causes it to fall just short of a classic. But make no mistake, this is the sound of a great band in its puberty - and I for one can't wait for them to grow up.
