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Here we are at The Hull Lamp, which from the outside looks similar to a small social club, in a street full of housing association houses. On entering you are met with a myriad of catacombs. But can see no stage. We are stood around the bar when the doors at the end of the bar slide open to reveal a small stage area, the stage is approx 18 inches high. This could be a difficult gig to see.
First up is Southampton based unsigned duo Mes Memoires, made up of Adam and Tom who both play guitars. As there are no other instruments or backing tracks this is purely an acoustic set. Inoffensive but relaxing music, and the highlight of the short set is 'Favourite Waste of Time'. I imagine Mes Memoires going down well at one of the smaller stages, at any of this summer's festivals on a Sunday afternoon in the sunshine.
Mes Memoires remove their small amount of equipment ready for Delays to appear. The Lamp is a really small intimate venue and the 150 strong fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Delays.
The Lamp is rather incorrectly named in that it is quite a dark stage, lit by three very small spotlights above the it to the right; Delays stage set is minimal, with just their equipments and no extra lights.
The band open up with 'Long Time Coming', one of the early single releases from 'Faded Seaside Glamour', how does Greg Gilbert keep that wonderful falsetto voice going throughout the set? The sound is amazing to hear. The recordings of Delays are of a very high standard, yet live they sound even better, Gilbert's falsetto changing to a growling snarl at the flick of a switch.
Gilbert asks, "Is this the first time we have played Hull?" To which a fan shouts, "Yes it is". Next is new song 'Touchdown' which seems to breakaway from the summery, poppy tunes that have long been the trademark of Delays, a little rockier and Gilbert looks aggressive as he sings it. Next is 'Hideaway' from the second album 'You See Colours', this gets the crowd, which until now has been willing to just listen, going. New song 'Hooray' which Gilbert introduces saying, "late night making for shenanigans" is a faster song with an infectious chorus, "Hooray, Hooray it's not over, we have got all day to recover."
At this point Gilbert makes some chatter with a few fans asking what they would like to have played next. Someone mentions 'Valentine', another shouts 'You & Me', to which he replies, "Don't worry they are coming soon." A heckler shouts, "Play some Prince" which brings a chuckle from the audience and the band. Gilbert says, "The next song is about chavs." which brings a loud roar from fans, then into a gutsy version of 'This Town's Religion', which seems to be faster than the album version but sounds all the better for it.
Other new material played includes, 'Love made Visible', 'Pieces', 'Earth Gave Me You', and 'Panic Attacks' from the last EP. The set ends on a raptures version of 'Valentine' which is greeted with whistles and cheers.
After a short break the band return with another new song 'Lost in Melody' and then the gig is brought to an end by a rousing version of 'You & Me'.
Speaking to Rowley (drummer) after the gig I got to ask him which festivals they will be playing this year, he answered "We have or are just about to confirm Oxygen, Wireless, and T in the Park. We are also waiting confirmation for V which should be really good."
If you get chance to see Delays at one of this years festivals or on tour, they are well worth checking out, their new album, released in April could well be the soundtrack of the summer.
Set list
1. Long Time Coming
2. Touchdown
3. Hideaway
4. Hooray
5. This Towns Religion
6. Love Made Visible
7. Pieces
8. Nearer Than Heaven
9. Earth Gave Me You
10. Panic Attacks
11. Valentine
Encore
12. Lost In A Melody
13. You & Me
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article by: Gary Stafford
photos by: Gary Stafford
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| published: 27/02/2008 19:40 |
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