The Delgados latest incorporates lavish lyricism, soft tempos and sweet harmonies amidst a backdrop of edgy off-key modern/folk rock transversed with AC styled soft-pop and effectively interlocking the use of male and female vocals that play off each other effectively from one song to the next.

Dynamically symphonic through the effective employment of woodwind, string and keyboard arrangements, much of "The Great Eastern" leads the still-gasping listener toward a likeness of a calm lakeside view, mirror image reflection off the water… before the occasional pebble finds its way creating a ripple effect much the same way songs like "Accused of Stealing" or "American Trilogy" will produce by themselves.

Sometimes we tend to lag a little on our way toward the opposite end but as the opening track suggests by the second verse,

"Crawl in the cave looking for light but the ceiling descends and still it's dark…"

and so it is.

Once we get around halfway to "No Danger," we're wondering what happened to the soft subtlety that once was replaced almost by a rush of storm clouds but alas, we're returned to the gentle gleam we grew so accustomed to.

Another of those artists that beckons more than just a passing listen to absorb all that's poured into the product, The Delgados are a grown-up sound all their own, yet there's little doubt that the wild teenager still lurks beneath the surface ready to make a wave or two before their through.

"The Great Eastern" is another vivid example of skillful song writing, wistful instrumentation - not to mention lamentation in some instances-gently laid on a comfortable sound bed of mixed emotions and crimson visions…

Released by Chemical Underground Records

Review by Vinnie Apicella [va85@columbia.edu]
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METAL STORM PRODUCTIONS
Vinnie Apicella

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