Search - Delays :: Everything's the Rush

Another brilliant, emotional and sweeping album by the Delay

J. B. Erickson | Seattle, Washington | 05/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I tell you, their albums and scope just gets bigger and better with each album. I first saw these guys in Seattle in maybe 2003 or so at a tiny little club downtown that only had about 50 people or so in it. The show was BRILLIANT and had the most incredible energy. It's one I'll never forget. When I was in London for school in 2005 I saw them again at the Mean Fiddler with many many more people. I somehow crammed up front with my friend and we had a blast. The voices, the energy, the movement; it was all transfixing. I must say, the live shows are truly amazing and will only make you appreciate this band even more.



That said, Everything's The Rush will only lend a hand to their catalogue of songs to play at those shows to bring even more energy and fun to the picture. I've had Hooray on my playlist for months and love the song. I ordered this album from amazon's uk store (even with tax, shipping and exchange rate, it's cheaper than ordering from the us store as an import, only about 18 bucks total from the uk) and have been listening to it straight for three days. I think No Contest is my fav. song as of yet with Touch Down a close second. The guitars on songs like Friends Are False are much more pronounced than earlier efforts, which is not a bad thing, but it almost leads them into 'boy band' territory with the likes of Fall Out Boy, etc. But what happens is the vocals and interesting synth take over 1/3 of the way into some of these songs and really reach them out to new peaks. The song One More Lie In is odd, only because the vocal stylings on the verses are a departure from the rest of the album. It's almost as if a different person is singing here. Which may be the case, but I can't find that information in the cover booklet. The refrain is classic Delays, but the vocals throughout seem a bit out of place. The only misstep on this album, in my opinion is the song Jet Lag. I like the notes, but the words just seem hokey to me ("Let's go swimming in the morning" is repeated too often and sounds like a 4th grade poem).



Overall, this album does not disappoint in any way and only enhances the music they've already created. It's an incredibly fun and animated album with a wide spectrum of vocal talent and a healthy mix of synth, keyboards, guitar, strings and drums that create music that will make you happy no matter what the mood or day. I must say, the string sounds, the epic nature of them, are one of the elements that attract me most to Delay's music. And when I say synth, I'm not referring to rehashing of 80's elements. I'm referring to a new breed that the Delay's have all but created and perfected on their own. You won't hear these elements coming from any other band right now. This album is quite good. A solid 4.5 stars to be sure and as I said, their live shows will blow you away, and it's where they really shine, on stage (or on amazing speakers in your house-their stuff sounds totally different if played through a computer versus a great stereo, don't deny yourself the listening pleasure)."

Very Solid, Yet Somehow...

James C. Smith | kent, ohio | 05/16/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, I'm one of the few Yanks who's actually heard of this fantastic band. I've ordered their last two releases from Amazon UK because we're too damn slow to new music here in the States! I pre-ordered from AUK and received the disc in my door three days before it was even scheduled to drop in the US - and it was almost half the price of ordering the "import" on Amazon US. Nice!



That said, here's my brief review of "Everything's The Rush."



I like it. I like it A LOT. Yet, I can't help but think the boys are taking an ill-advised whack at the mainstream on this one. I thought "You See Colours" was a brilliant step up from their amazing debut "Faded Seaside Glamour." I was hoping for a similar evolution on ETR. The first four tracks are outright genius. However, the disc sort of sputtered-out for me as I made it through the last few tracks. Who knows, maybe those last few songs will start to grow on me?



I'll be the first to admit, I miss the falsetto on this record. The vocals are strong, but I really dig it when Greg Gilbert layers his various vocal styles and leads with the high stuff. That's probably just me. I thought Aaron's vocals were just "okay." Again, I may be in the minority here, but I'm glad his vocal contribution was limited. That said, "One More Lie In" is an absolutely killer track. Layers, fatness, big beats. Really great stuff.



Please read my comments in the context of my four-star rating. This is a very solid release. The Delays are one of the best bands going right now - stupidsolid musicianship, great production and really nice songwriting.



Buy it!

"