Manchester five-piece Delights kick-off 2025 with an absolute banger of an album – If Heaven Looks A Little Like This. 12 tracks, 12 bops, one exploration of genres.
Adam Maxwell’s vocals scratch that musical itch from the very first minute until the last, taking us on a delightful journey through the band’s tracklist of funky slow jams, dreamy ballads and foot-stomping indie-pop hits.
Psychedelia, soul, disco and rock, the genre range here is nothing short of impressive. And catchy melodies from bassist Ben Kirkland and guitarist Ben Squires, alongside the steady hum of the drums from Leo Willis slot the tracks together effortlessly in this jigsawed album.
At its core, If Heaven Looks A Little Like This took form during the band’s getaway to northern France. And with the essence of sunnier days and lighter evenings infused into the songs, listening to it in its entirety feels like one long walk in the countryside.
From high-energy tracks like Two Times Over to melancholy keys in The Way Things Used To Be, and groovy riffs in Take A Picture and Soft Top, Delights are not messing about. But an honourable mention has to go out to the blend from the fully instrumental track Hotel Lobby into Hotel Bar – a rare occurrence on the indie scene.
As a change of pace, and to switch things up even more, bassist Kirkland was passed the baton of lead vocals on And It Goes. A track that, according to Delights, was born lyrically out of frustration surrounding the handling of their band, lending to its gritty and aggressive nature. This track in particular marks something new for the Mancunians, and competes against the band’s self-described ‘happy-go-lucky’ sound.
All in all, this genre smashing album is a nod to bigger and better things for Delights, and with an upcoming tour on the way, this album is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Featured image by Charlie Barclay Harris.