http://www.islingtonmill.com/index.phpI 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_hallowsThey 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
