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The Deltarays
@ The Social
Sunday 18th January
For any new band, being the first support
act on a Sunday night, at any venue, is difficult.
Being saddled with the task of coaxing a below capacity, weekend-weary
crowd into the right mood has to be tough. The moment the 4 piece indie-rock outfit The Deltarays took the stage, however,
it was the acts that had to follow to whom my sympathy turned.
Kicking off with 'City Streets' the 'rays somewhat
familiar but undeniably catchy and melodic sound set even the stiffest feet tapping, the sorest heads nodding, and the cutest
behinds shaking. The front of the stage suddenly possessed a kind of gravity which pulls irresistibly on the bodies of young
females, my own leaden legs were suddenly filled with helium and I floated to the middle of the dance floor where I was completely
and utterly powerless against the urge to shake it.
To describe the Deltarays' stage manner as 'easy' or 'comfortable'
is a huge understatement. They play their instruments perfectly and front man Chris must have been born behind a microphone.
With an undeniable presence and ability to work a crowd without even needing to string full sentences together between songs.
Anything he said brought another tirade of laughter and cheers from the young female contingent (this could be attributed,
in part, to the fact that Chris looks like he could have been genetically engineered or at least surgically enhanced for his
role). Indeed, this was one of the most assured performances I've ever seen by an unsigned band.
The boys breezed
through eight lovely, gracious melodies, never faltering or even momentarily loosing the crowd's attention, the uplifting
'You still got it' standing out as one which must be destined to be performed on CD-UK at some point in the not too distant
future, with a chorus I've either been whistling or singing to myself almost incessantly since the gig. Yes, if I must spell
it out - that is exactly what I'm saying - this band will be big.
If the question of originality is raised it must
be said that though the sound can't be called new or innovative, I find it impossible to compare them to any one band - The
Bluetones, Thrills, 'phonics, Wonderstuff, shades of The Levellers, a hint of REM. Definitely a sniff of American rock in
there but its all hard to place. This is simply great songwriting by very competent musicians with a level of restraint keeping
them on the right track of simple, accessible, comforting yet punchy tunes, married to plenty of technical ability and on
stage professionalism.
Wonderfully refreshing, highly recommended. People, watch this space, 'cause The Deltarays
are coming and there's no protective suit that can keep 'em out'.
By Jem Shaw
Taken from www.leftlion.co.uk
The Mill,Friday 25th July
Setlist
Better off alone
City Streets
You've still got it
Who says it aint worth trying
Written on your face
Memory Lane
Time and time again
You left me standing
This Friday 25th July night, my ticket was purchased for me by a family member who wanted to introduce me
to a group they'd seen and highly recommend- hence I've no idea how much it was to get in to Mansfield's The Mill tonight.
I do now, however, know that whatever the cost was, it would have been worth it!
I walked into the Mill for GIGGED's debut review in Mansfield and found the venue quite full, seemingly filled
with fans of the line up this evening. Here at GIGGED, we already knew of Mansfield's top live music venue and as part of
our evil expansion plan to take over the world, we jumped at the opportunity to pay a visit and get our toes in through the
door!
It was a shame however that my time here tonight had to be limited. I'd already heard a demo by The Delta
Rays some weeks ago and I decided I'd like to go see them live, but this evening my driver needed to depart early, so apologies
to the other acts on the line up I missed tonight! When the GIGGED account can't afford limo's, you have to make do with friends
driving you everywhere!
Kicking the night off at around 9pm, The Delta Rays got the night into a mood they intended to maintain.
A very lively 4 piece, all excelled at their instruments and ability to play, but the group result is great- a groovy, happy
indie sound that did contain a bit of the American rock twinge. Trouble is, I had difficulty in thinking of anyone I could
compare them to- which will be a nightmare when The Boss gets this review to edit, but I say it's good to find a group that
aren't exactly risking their musical career on a strange new style, yet just manage to retain a good amount of originality
within a genre that often feels like it's going stale.
The crowd responded really well to The Delta Rays, too- which is always good to see. A band responds well
to a good audience, and tonight was a classic example of how that happens. Having had a considerable change in the line up
not so long ago, the group sounded as professional and tight as any group that take what they do seriously, so this gig must
have been an all round success for the lads!
A quality set, a quality group and a great venue to kick start GIGGED's venture into Mansfield. Go see The
Delta Rays, and take a look at the Mill!
Reviewed by Sarah Hutchison and Eddie.
Taken from www.giggedweb.co.uk
1st gig at the Running Horse 24th April,2003
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