This is a TGEFM reader-submitted review. It may have been edited for content, spelling, or grammar but otherwise reflects the thoughts and opinions of the submitter.
Review by financial_powerbomb
Salinas Records – 10 Dec 2021
Delay returns with a new, sweet album
Salinas Records, at least to me, has always been a home for many good indie rock or punk rock bands. On 21 Dec 2021, the label put out a new record from Delay. Oh, wait?! It’s Delay everyone! that Ohio band that I never expect to put out a new record. I thought the band was just gone with the wind, but Songs For Money is their newest LP since 2014. Yes, 7 years on the wait!
Songs For Money features twelve songs. And the band sticks with their melodious indie rock sound which, to me, brings some fresh air while the world is surrounded by the massive wave of 2000’s-style emo and twinkie-influenced bands.
Interestingly, the tracklisting for the album on Spotify site and Bandcamp site is different, with the songs is a slightly altered order. For this review, I’m using the album as it appears on Spotify.
I would say that the 7 years of wait is a worthwhile. This album represents a fresh songwriting output and everyone (the band and the fans) would seem to be happy about it. The first three tracks will be a nice sweet punch for you. “Roman Candle, Both Hands”, “Shit Creek”, and “Twitter Beat” make you fall for this record at first sight. Later track “Drunk Dreams” features Nathan Stephens of Martha providing narration.
Some of the lengthier songs take up the middle of the album, interspaced with some short songs like “Yellow Light”. “Fire” is the most distinguishing song on the LP. It sounds more like a 70’s disco parody song (yes, by pointing out those vibrant vocals at the end of the track). And I would like to place the track “Andy” as one of my favorite tracks, notably due to the irresistible verses. The lyric line “Andy always in trouble” is an irresistible verse that your head can’t easily forget.
The LP is closer is “Friends Band”, an infectious short song that is perfectly fit to be placed on the end, especially when, at the end of the song, you think “Is that it?! Damnit need to play it once more!”
financial_powerbomb is a part-time punk, owner of Rizkan Records, and prolific music blogger in Indonesia. As an ESL writer, he’s looking to expand his footprint with more reviews in the English language, and TGEFM is more than happy to help out.
