2004 has been very kind to the Delays. The Southampton boys have a released a well received debut album "Faded Seaside Glamour" which spawned three singles, toured the length and breadth of the country, won the hearts of hard to please indie kids and to top a great year are doing what they do best, playing live. Two glitter balls hang from the ceiling and the stage is decorated majestically in fairy lights. Then the lads arrive to perform a set which includes five new songs which will be on their next album "Action Reaction".

Vocalist Greg Gilbert has a wide range and when he sings the fragility and versatility of his voice is original and a joy to hear. Aaron Gilbert (no relation) on keyboards is a cheek looking young fella with a fondness for mischief. When not providing a vital injection of modern electronica to the 60s whimsy and psychedelic Delays wall of sound he's walking around, gazing at the crowd and bounding around the stage. The crowd are appreciative and lively especially as it's the first time the Delays have played in Preston. Songs off their album are familiar to the fans like "Nearer Than Heaven", but its the previews of new material like "Lillian" and "Segue" that provide the real highlights. You can still tell it's the Delays, but the band have naturally progressed with a more ambitious scope, slightly darker, epic, anthemic but with a touch of drama to accompany the harmonies and melodies.

The Delays leave us with one of their recent singles, the rather wonderful "Long Time Coming" and after a storming fifteen song set we've witnessed a band who know how to work a crowd, play to their strengths and are happy as indeed we are to do their own thing. If you liked their debut album you'll love their follow up considering the quality of their new songs tonight, it could catapult them even further into mainstream success.

Nicholas Paul Godkin