Southampton's Delays feature a quartet of carefully-stylised young gentlemen, one of whom (Aaron Gilbert) is capable of some extremely effeminate-sounding vocals. With this and an unashamedly immediate brand of pop-rock it is likely that they will experience the same love/hate relationship with the press that Mansun endured until their recent break-up. It is the positive analysis they deserve, though, for 'Faded Seaside Glamour' is a refreshingly original album that picks up on some unusual - and sometimes unfashionable - reference points. On opening song 'Wanderlust' Aaron does an inncredibly accurate impression of Cocteau Twins' Liz Fraser whilst brother Greg's keyboards cleverly resemble Caribbean steel drums. 'Hey Girl' boasts Byrdsian jangle and 'Bedroom Scene' borrows harmonies from the Fleetwood Mac school of rock. Added to this 'No Ending' is one of three effective ballads and 'Long Time Coming' (brother Greg supplies whale-like noises this time) and 'You Wear The Sun' are shimmering pop perfection. Intelligently produced by Bark Psychosis' Graham Sutton, it would take a hard heart indeed to dismiss this band.