Released on Monday, Delphic are the first of the BBC Sound of 2010 crowd to deliver a substantial offering for the general public to consume. In this post I will be writing my first listen review of Acolyte.
01. Clarion Call (02:56)
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A nice, but slightly subdued start attempts to lead us into a false sense of security before hitting us with the Delphic sound that we are likely to hear throughout the rest of the album. Crashing cymbals and a tasty guitar solo set this track off nicely.
02. Doubt (04:06)
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A slight variation on the previously released version of Doubt, their first single which was released last year. Longer, yes, but it has no major changes, it’s still a fantastic track. I could listen to the end section all day long.
03. This Momentary (04:35)
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Haha, this time we have a shorter version of This Momentary.
04. Red Light (06:11)
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This track is quite lengthy at six minutes, but it’s not one of those songs where you feel like you have been listening to it for too long. The sound is akin to something the Friendly Fires would produce but with much more of an electronic influence.
05. Acolyte (08:51)
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I guess I spoke to soon about track length, but, in a way, it’s a clear indication about Delphic’s musical style and their projected target audience.
What is impressive about the title track is the way it surges from its ambient opening into pulsing life, something I have come to expect from many of my favourite electronic dance artists. Again, the time length doesn’t play heavily on the mind, it’s a great instrumental.
06. Halcyon (04:43)
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This track boasts an incredibly catchy hook, supported by an uplifting balearic beat. It superbly blends the sounds of nineties Ibiza with their angelic indie vocals.
Delphic – Submission
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There is a real laid-back indie groove to this track, which makes it almost a polar opposite to Halcyon. It kind of reminds me of Kasabian (which is fantastic), but with with bolder solo guitar work which Delphic readily have at their disposal.
08. Counterpoint (06:19)
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No real changes here from the old Counterpoint, which is great because it already seems to be one of Delphic’s standout tracks.
09. Ephemera (01:56)
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Ephemera is nothing more than an intermission. Its sole purpose is to prepare us for..
10. Remain (06:34)
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Remain is quite similar in structure to the opening number, Clarion Call, but instead of quickly switching up the tempo, this prefers to build up steam as the track progresses. It’s is a nice finale to a very impressive debut album which is definitely worthy of purchasing.