Star Tiger Star Ariel

Delays, those lovely chaps from Southampton are back with their fourth album. Since 'Faded Seaside Glamour' charmed me with the band's ethereal soothing sound, I have never stranded away from Delays. Nevertheless, the two follow-ups 'You See Colours' and 'Everything's The Rush' did not seem to live up to the hype bulit up since their debut, instead we were offered a more polished 80's synth-focus sound, losing the essence of those good ol' Brit melodramatic pop.

With 'Star Tiger Star Ariel', however I believe the boys are back to their dream-pop prime that first caught our ears back then. Greg's signature falsetto vocal is still as dazzling, coupled with those melancholy tunes and infectious romantic lyrics; these combined the winning formula that keeps us wanting more, what more they reunited with their Duncan Lewis who produced their career peak 'Faded Seaside Glamour'.

The album opens with free download single 'Find A Home', a fragile ballad that will surely tug at your heart strings. Highlights of the album include 'The Lost Estate', an anthemic number with soaring catchy chorus, 'May 45', a heavily guitar driven that explores the rockier sound of the band, and 'Hold Fire', an ambient gem that slowly build alongside Greg's stunning vocal. ’Lakes Can Be Lethal’ is another potential single with the swelling string-led grandeur. Ultimately this album is going to stay in my car's stereo for awhile.

Delays - Lost Estate
Delays - Lakes Can Be Lethal