Delays – ‘You See Colours’ (Rough Trade) Released 06/03/06

As far as second albums go ‘You See Colours’ is a surprisingly sound-uncompromising album, as Delays have kept all their pop principles but pushed them further without turning into ‘Mum Rock’ and never hints at a band feeling that they should change their sound. Basically these four lads have created an album that is mature enough to stand on its own rather than be weighed down by comparisons to their last offering ‘Faded Seaside Glamour’ yet manage to keep the Delays aesthetic strong, and as Gilbert’s song writing talents have gone through the roof and the band’s arrangements on this album are ten fold better, it sits well no matter if you were or are just becoming a fan.

 As their last album was always hinting at more than just whimsical ‘Everything is ok cos it’s summer’ pop, ‘You See Colours’ shows exactly where they wanted to be. If ‘Faded…’ was summer pop, then ‘Colours…’ is the Autumn pop answer. There are dark emotive moments dotted right around every beautifully layered and perfectly executed song. There are U2-esque riffs (This Town’s Religion) splattered around the place backed up against orchestrations that rival that of Sigur Ros (You And Me) in the goosebump scale. You have your electronica mixed in with rock n roll (Valentine) and then the songs that are going to make you shamelessly admit that deep down the early nineties pop movement was really good (Hideaway).

Most of all ‘Colours…’ is a feel good album that doesn’t demand too much of the listener but leaves out the throw away immediacy that most pop bands have to conjure up to keep listeners. Delays are a band that deserve a place in any guitar based indie rock and pop collection. Their new album is a soundtrack to all good moments and is a staple in their short and underrated career. Glossy brilliantly crafted tunes that are free from any kind of cheesiness are aplenty on this release.