Halcyon and Red Lights at Electronic Beats Festival

Delphic play Halcyon and Red Lights at the Electronic Beats Festival in Berlin last week.
Videos from ElectronicBeatsVideo

'just going outside for a while, we may be some time...' - see you next year!

From the band's facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/delphicmusic

Warehouse Project 30th October 2010

The Warehouse Project. Delphic's last gig in the UK for a while. Mixed emotions if I'm honest. But if I am to listen to a second album at any point then they do need some time off!

After dumping our stuff at a Northern Quarter 'hotel' with the world's smallest man and the world's bassiest karaoke, we hit Manchester. 

At around 10.15, we headed in. I was expecting to wait ages through loads of bands, but Jamaica were already on when we arrived. Was glad to make 'Short and Entertaining'.

Fenech Soler followed and were very good live, full of energy and enthusiasm. I am looking forward to seeing them again.

Delphic were greeted by an enthusiastic home crowd and launched into Clarion Rave. I hadn't heard them do live before and it was a very welcome addition to the set. 

After that was Doubt, during which the lights went out but they just carried on playing without missing a trick.

The recent version of Red Lights came next, which I would have enjoyed more if the crowd and lights hadn't played up. This mixed into This Momentary.

When James announced that the next track would be Sanctuary, I probably deafened the woman in front by shouting 'Yes!' involuntarily. Have not heard that track since Manchester International Festival where I didn't really appreciate it as much because all the tracks were new to me. It was brilliant!

They followed with Halcyon, which is one of my favourites and always goes down amazing live, and Counterpoint.

At this point the people directly in front of me left, which is always good, so I had a barrier view for Remain and Acolyte. It is good to see Remain getting played live and Acolyte is always amazing. The part in the middle where it builds up again and you know it is going to go off is an experience that I am going to miss a lot, if only for a while. Unfortunately, my camera battery had died by then.

The guys all seemed in a really good mood and it was a great way to end the 18 months of the journey to this point. 

Chatted to James and Rick afterwards about the new album, which is going to sound very different. I think the word that comes up most often is 'epic'. Which seems like a pretty apt description of the experience.

San Francisco

Q and A with Matt in San Francisco:

http://blogs.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2010/10/delphic.php

A pic of Matt and Rick in SF. Photo by Tim @goldenears.

America

Delphic Go Stateside

Haven't updated for a while (busy busy busy). New photos and a diary type interview are up from electronicamagazine.com at http://www.calameo.com/read/00039017188d25086274c  pp56 - 58

Reading and Leeds

Delphic are playing Reading and Leeds festivals this weekend. The set from Reading is on BBC red button and you can see it, and photos from the set on the link below.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/festivals/readingandleeds/2010/artists/delphic/

It looked to be a good set which the guys and crowd enjoyed. The transition from Red Lights to This Momentary was interesting, and it's great that they always keep the set fresh.

A short interview with Matt and Rick from backstage at Reading. Rick is a bit obsessed with Brian Wilson at the moment!

http://www.nme.com/news/delphic/52772

Motor.de Interview

Link to interview below (in German).

http://www.motor.de/motormeinung/motor.de/delphic_wir_wollen_das_indie_publikum_mit_der_clubmusik_bekannt_machen.html

Leipzig Graffiti

Leipzig graffiti, from the band's Facebook page.

They are also playing another gig at Gatecrasher in Nottingham on Monday 1st November. Tickets go on-sale 20/8 at 9am http://j.mp/bpdST0 

I am hoping for some more UK gigs soon (yes, I am greedy!)

An interview and photos from Detektor FM are at the page below. Questions are in German, answers in English. You can also download the interview.http://detektor.fm/musik/von-dem-hype-waren-wir-schnell-gelangweilt-delphic-im-interview/

The Alternate Side Interview

It's all go at the moment for Delphic interviews! Love the line about the cereal for some reason...

http://thealternateside.org/news/2010/aug/09/tas-session-delphic/

Session videos below:

Under The Radar Interview

A recent interview with Rick and James from Delphic with Under The Radar Magazine.

http://www.undertheradarmag.com/interviews/Delphic_prepped_for_sucess/

'Keyboard Player Needed'

From the band's twitter page today...

Here is an interview with Rick before their set at Roskilde recently. He discusses influences, the second album and the perils of flatsharing. Thanks to Mozandeffect for posting.

http://www.theregoesthefear.com/2010/07/interview-rick-boardman-of-delphic-at-roskilde-festival-part-1.php 

http://www.theregoesthefear.com/2010/07/interview-rick-boardman-of-delphic-at-roskilde-festival-part-2.php 

And an interview with Rick about their show in Hong Kong: http://www.brouhaha.com.hk/features/inteview-delphic/

Delphic at the Warehouse Project

Get tickets for Delphic's night at The Warehouse Project 2010 on Saturday 30th October.

http://www.thewarehouseproject.com/event_profile.php?id=12

Manchester International Festival - 1 year on...

Today is the anniversary of Delphic's gig at the Pavilion, Manchester International Festival 2009. 

I am embarrassed to admit that I almost didn't make it, as I forgot about it, and only remembered halfway to Tesco at about 7pm...
I am so glad I made it. They were introduced by Dave Haslam, who played their intro tape and told us it was a gig we would be telling our kids about. 



Delphic were amazing, and considering I had only heard Counterpoint, I was impressed with the other tracks they played, especially 'This Momentary' and 'Red Lights'. (Of course, it took ages to find out what they were called - there was a phase when few people knew the track names.) They mixed in 'Bizarre Love Triangle', which they will probably never do again because of the New Order comparisons. (My video below. Reduce volume before playing if on headphones...) It was a brilliant night, and I came out of the pavilion totally blown away. I wanted to stay for the after party thing, but alas, the train schedule would not allow it.

I had to wait another 6 months for the album, listening to various remixes of This Momentary to keep me going, but I feel quite nostalgic for that time (and the old font!)

Americana

'Americana' photos up on the band's Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5057805&id=22908840871#!/album.php?aid=196411&id=22908840871

Dangerbird Gig

 Photo by Dustin Downing

 

Interview with Delphic at the recent Dangerbird gig:

http://www.chinashopmag.com/2010/06/q-and-a-with-manchester%E2%80%99s-delphic%E2%80%A8/

'Acolyte' out now in the USA.

Counterpoint Out Today

Get Doorly and Christian Martin remixes on iTunes.

Download Counterpoint (Tim Goldsworthy Edit) for free

 http://delphic.cc/counterpoint/

Also get Doubt (acoustic), Wake and This Momentary (Extended).

Radio 1 Big Weekend

Delphic opened the 'In New Music We Trust' stage at Radio 1s Big Weekend event today. Their set is available to watch on the BBCs Red Button, and on the website. See site for photos of the performance.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/bigweekend/2010/artists/delphic/

Setlist

Doubt

Red Lights

Halcyon

Counterpoint

Manchester Ritz 21st May 2010

Delphic's closing gig of the tour. They were supported by Everything Everything, who were very professional (and loud - remember being reminded of a Motorhead gig when I was 14!) and have a really interesting sound.

When the lights went down, I was expecting Ephemera, but we got something altogether different before they started Clarion Call.

The version of Red Lights they did was the one which mixes into Submission. I love what they have done with this track live.

Halcyon was great, and Matt's guitar solo was brilliant as usual. People were crowdsurfing and taking advantage of the "bouncy floor".

When they went off after the wonderful Counterpoint, they had a very enthusiastic response with foot stamping and cheering.

When James came back on and announced that they had 2 more, I was hoping it would be Sanctuary, because they had hinted they might do this at the May shows, but instead it was Remain, which was a welcome surprise.

They finished with a triumphant performance of Acolyte. It was a great end to the tour and the guys enjoyed it a lot. Everyone who is seeing them at the festivals is in for a treat.

Setlist

Intro music

Clarion Call

Doubt

Red Lights

Submission

Halcyon

This Momentary

Counterpoint

Remain 

Acolyte

Mish Mash

Matt from Delphic discussed how creativity is affected by becoming a professional artist on today's 6music podcast. Download here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/6musicnews/

Delphic to play Peace and Love Festival in Sweden this summer. Details below.

http://www.peaceandlove.nu/

They should also be playing rescheduled U.S dates in June:

New York  - 14th

Los Angeles - 16th

San Francisco - 18th

Acolyte will be released on 29th June through Dangerbird Records. You can preorder at their website and get a free download of Doubt.

dangerbirdrecords.com/delphic

Finally, Delphic will be DJing at Airship's Algebra EP launch at the Deaf Institute, Manchester on Friday.


http://www.loveanddisaster.co.uk/Home.html

Everything May Support

It has been reported by Altsounds that Everything Everything will support Delphic on their May tour.

http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/117822-delphic-may-tour-supported-be-everything-everything.html

Counterpoint release

 

Counterpoint will be available on 7" and Vinyl. Details below.

7"
A1. Counterpoint [Tim Goldsworthy Edit]
B1. Remain [Beatless Version]

DOWNLOAD
01. Counterpoint [Tim Goldsworthy Edit]
02. Remain [Beatless Version]
03. Counterpoint [Doorly Remix]
04. Counterpoint [Christian Martin Remix]
      (iTunes Exclusive)

Hear new Counterpoint

The Tim Goldsworthy Edit of Counterpoint is now up on the band's myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/delphic

New Counterpoint

Delphic are to release a new single version of Counterpoint on 7th June. In honour of this, I am reposting the brilliant video.

Japan and Australia Photos

T

There are new photos from the recent Japan and Australia tours up on the band's facebook page. See the link below for more photos.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/delphicmusic

Dangerbird

Delphic have signed to Dangerbird Records in the US. The album will be out on June 29th.

http://www.dangerbirdrecords.com/

Delphic in Tokyo

"Tokyo at sun-down - now off to cherry blossoms party, its a hard life."

Remain video

The video to remain, which was an itunes exclusive, is now up on youtube.


Also, more festival dates have been confirmed:
Brighton Great Escape, 15/5 
Poland Selector Festival, 5/6 
Austria Frequency Festival, 20/8 

"As always...as always you've been incredible."

Delphic @ Sankeys, Manchester 17th March 2010. It looks suspiciously like the back of my head by James's guitar.
Photos by Shirlaine Forrest @ Gigwise.

http://www.gigwise.com/photos/55321/Delphic-Come-Home-To-Sankeys-Soap-Manchester---PHOTOS

Sankeys. Packed to the rafters, amazingly overpriced (paid more for 2 drinks than a Delphic ticket), uneven floored and unisex sinked. Yet it was fantastic - the best of their gigs I've seen.

I can't say too much about Little Comets as I was waiting at the bar for most of the set.

It was absolutely packed out and after the misleading map making me take a while to get there, I was only able to get 4th row back. There was a lot of expectation and excitement from the crowd. Beforehand, what sounded like the Delphic version of Bizarre Love Triangle they did at the MIF was playing and it was easy to spot the recognition on the faces of the people who've been into them for a while.

It was like the 'iPod nod' when iPods weren't quite so ubiquitous...

Ephemera started up and the guys walked on. They launched into Clarion Call and from this point it was obvious that it was going to be something special. They had a fantastic energy and were giving it their all. They came across as really confident and Rick was getting everyone clapping.

After Doubt, instead of going into Halcyon as they have been, they went into a new version of Red Lights, which was great. It merged into Submission and slowed right down.



James said they'd always wanted to play there before following Submission with Halcyon. They seemed to be getting more hyped up with each song. Every track was amazing. This Momentary and Counterpoint had everyone going totally mad. Counterpoint went straight into Acolyte, which was a small change but, I thought, a really effective one.

By this time, everyone was getting ready for it to kick in, because they knew it was going to be spectacular. And it was totally amazing, a really special moment that is up there with my all-time favourites. James came really close to the crowd and you could feel how confident they all were. He said "As always...as always you've been incredible." It finished much too soon. The lights came up and there was a huge, red-lit Delphic sign by the DJ booth. I was absolutely buzzing.







After the gig, they were playing a DJ set at the Deaf Institute, so we made our way over. It was a good set. There was a moment when the sound cut out, which was funny.

We chatted to Rick and James about the gig, Brian Wilson, and Clarion Call's influences, amongst other things. James said, "We're always confident when we're in Manchester." If this gig is the shape of things to come, I'm going to be ridiculously excited for the next few months.

Sankey's Aftershow (DJ Set)

Delphic will be playing a DJ set at The Deaf Institute, Grosvenor Street, after their gig at Sankey's, Manchester.

3 Words

Delphic performed a cover of Cheryl Cole's '3 words' and a reprogrammed version of Halcyon on the Radio 1 Live Lounge yesterday. The more I listen to their version of 3 words, the more I love it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/livelounge/artist/100315_delphic.shtml

Halcyon, and b-side Wake, plus remixes, are out now.

I like the Silkie Remix.

"It's our first time in Wigan, and you've been awesome..."

Photo by Man Alive!  http://www.flickr.com/photos/24365773@N03/

Delphic played at Club Nirvana in Wigan on Wednesday 10th March. We arrived about 8.50 and had a look at the place. Smirnovkool found it weird, as he used to work there in the 90s. I had only been there once, on a particularly mediocre New Years Eve.

We stood watching Chew Lips, and saw Rick, then James, walk into the glassed off backstage area. They were watching Chew Lips. Then James recognised us from other gigs. He came out and had a chat about not doing Bizarre Love Triangle,  the game of newspaper interviews, and the KLF. Then he got ready for the gig and we took our positions.

When the guys came out, they were all dressed in white shirts and the trademark smart pants. Ephemera played, which went into Clarion Call. James promised not to keep us up past our bedtime.

They had an energy about them which I haven't seen at other gigs, and they seemed relaxed and enthusiastic. They really got the crowd going, and by the end especially, there was a great atmosphere. There were slightly new bits in Red Lights and Acolyte which sounded great and were welcome additions.

The setlist was:

Ephemera 

Clarion Call

Doubt

Halcyon

Submission

Red Lights

This Momentary

Counterpoint

Acolyte

I left on a massive high, and brilliant though they have always been, I think they are getting better all the time. I want them to become massive, but at the same time, I want them to stay like a well kept secret.

Extra tour dates

Extra dates have been added to the current Delphic tour. The new dates are in May:

Wolverhampton, Wulfrun Hall (15)
Leeds, Metropolitan University (17)
London, Electric Ballroom (18)
Manchester, Ritz (21)

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 26th February.

Modular

Australian tour dates:

  

Some photos up on the website. 17 photos for 17 days.

http://www.delphic.cc/

Picture of the day

From delphicmusic twitter:

Interviews with Matt

Some interviews with Matt about his glasses and power ballads from JamesMcMahon3

Japan Blog

Delphic Japan blog is now up on youtube. I love the music in this.


Also 2 festivals confirmed:
April/May - Printemps de Bourge and Brighton Great Escape.
http://www.printemps-bourges.com/fr/accueil/animation.php
http://www.escapegreat.com/buyTickets/

New gigs added

Delphic have added some new dates as part of their March tour. The new dates are:


MARCH
04 Middlesbrough - Teeside University
06 Dublin - Propaganda @ The Academy
07 Stoke - Sugarmill
09 Northampton - Roadmender
10 Wigan - Club Nirvana

Can't get my head around Club Nirvana, or Princes, as it used to be. But any North West gigs are a plus.

Tickets go on sale 9am Wednesday 3rd February.

Halcyon Video

The Halcyon video is now available to watch on Youtube.

Islington Mill 29th January 2010

http://www.islingtonmill.com/index.php

I have been looking forward to this gig for ages. Arrived at Islington Mill to pick up my tickets. When we arrived, it was completely dead around the area, apart from a lonely tout who kindly gave me directions to a car park, despite me not having any tickets to sell!

We stood around the huge gates, expecting the doors to open. We spotted Rick and James across the road, and they crossed over to get into a taxi. Had a quick chat about the album, restraining orders and returning Hooky's calls. Then began the long wait for the doors to actually open. We listened to men in their forties claim to be 'down with the kids.' They protested slightly too much. After being told 'Just 5 more minutes', we finally got in at about 8.40.

After some Hot Chip and Friendly Fires, May68 came on. Or, in the case of the singer, walked on from the audience. They seemed pretty good - I will be checking out some of their tracks. http://www.myspace.com/may68uk


The venue was really intimate, and we maintained our position at the front despite various chancers. Delphic came on to 'Ephemera' and went into 'Clarion Call', which is always a fantastic opener. These were followed by 'Doubt' and 'Halcyon'. 'Halcyon' has always been a great song, but I have become more aware of just how brilliant it is since hearing the album version. 'Submission' is such a cool track, and inspired lots of appreciative head nodding. 'Red Lights' is one of my favourites on Acolyte, and I know there are many great tracks on there, but I feel close to it after the first time I watched them live. This performance was even better.

(These videos have strobes)






Next were 'This Momentary' and 'Counterpoint'. 'This Momentary' was similar to the extended mix. I love that their songs mix into each other, and have new bits in between, then the chorus comes back in in a different way. The live experience is so different from the album. Acolyte ended the set. It was a great way to finish, and the enthusiasm that had already been very much in evidence (much of it mine) was now boiling over.



Delphic are an odd band in that they remain very distant and professional, but inspire enthusiasm in the crowd very easily. They went off and there was music still playing with a red equaliser flashing. We thought an encore maybe, but then hot chip brusquely cut back in, so that was the end of that.

Totally wiped out after all that dancing, I made my way out, where I got myself the poster I had wanted all day, and a t-shirt. I braved the smoking hordes and it isn't too creased (the poster.) Then I basically talked bollocks on the way back while SmirnovKool drove me. I hope his ears have stopped ringing.

http://www.myspace.com/mr_hallows

They were amazing, the best I have seen them I think. I can't comprehend when people don't 'get' Delphic. They have made me very excited about music, despite it being 'male bonding without physical contact' according to SK. See them live, they are brilliant. Roll on March :)

SmirnovKool's review:
http://www.last.fm/user/smirnovkool/journal/2010/01/31/3ds0hw_a_call_to_arms

Tour Update

Tickets went on sale today for Delphic's March tour. Sankey's, Manchester, and Heaven, London are now sold out, but as far as I can tell there are still tickets for the other venues.

Delphic have confirmed that the next single from 'Acolyte' will be 'Halcyon'. The release date is March 15th.

If you haven't already signed up for the Delphic mailing list, there are 4 new tracks available to download.
'Sanctuary' is the fantastic new b-side on the 'Doubt' single. 'This Momentary' (Extended) gives more of an indication of what they do live, if you haven't seen their show yet.
The remix of Everything Everything's 'My Keys, Your Boyfriend' is really different from the original, and quite chilled. The remix of 'Fences' by Phoenix is quite funky too.
If you have already registered for updates, you can put in your email and password to access the download link for the new tracks.

New Delphic Gigs

As the Delphic gigs for January have all sold out, they have announced new gigs in March. They will play Edinburgh, Newcastle, Birmingham, London, Cambridge, Manchester :), Sheffield and Southampton. Tickets go on sale Friday 22nd January.


Other news, too. Delphic have been nominated for the Critics Choice at the Brit Awards. Well done also to Doves, who are nominated for best British Group.
http://www.brits.co.uk/brits-2010

A new interview by The Quietus website is below, where Matt talks about the concept of the album, New Order and Steve Martin, amongst other things.
http://thequietus.com/articles/03565-delphic-interview-acolyte

Acolyte at number 8

Delphic's debut album has charted at number 8 on its first week of release.
Great work, guys.

Delphic at Piccadilly Records, Manchester

Had such a busy week this week that I've only just got round to doing this.
On Monday 11th January, Delphic played a short instore gig and signed copies of the new album 'Acolyte'.
The queue outside was massive and when the doors opened everyone piled in. The audience were backed up to the doors. Unfortunately I am small, so couldn't see a great deal, but the guys sounded great. They performed new versions of Counterpoint, Doubt and Halcyon.
Afterwards, they signed albums (for those that had received them - I was still waiting for mine to arrive -grrr!) Met Matt and Rick for the first time, and James remembered me and my other half from last time we met. They fully deserve the 'hype' around them. Here's hoping the album does great this week.