Delphic @ The Oxford ArtFactory, Sydney (28/03/10)

Wed 31st Mar, 2010 in Gig Reviews

With a well structured fusion of ambient dance and indie guitars, Manchester quartet Delphic got the uber cool OAF hipsters jumping with delight.

Kicking off strongly into what wasn’t just a show but an experience. As lights flash and smoke swirls the music is hypnotic, driven by pulsating beats and infectious hooks. It’s euphoric; a bit like New Order at a rave.

Perfectly blending genres where many have tried and failed, Delphic make it all seem too easy. There is little wonder there are big noises being made about this band in Europe and here, where the band’s debut record was featured as triple j’s album of the week.

Sonic genius Richard Boardman is mesmerising on keyboards and his distinctive northern swagger gives him a tremendous stage presence. You can see that for Boardman, along with Matt Cocksedge, James Cook and Dan Hadley, it’s all about the music.

About half way through they drop Red Light which is greatly received with more and more hands being raised as the crowds’ enthusiasm builds ready for the finale. As to be expected, they closed the show epic style with Counterpoint, encoring into Acolyte. What better way to drum home the point that rave has been reworked and dragged into the present.

There may no longer be a Hacienda but there is Delphic.

Check out the photos from the gig