These are occasions to seperate the men from the boys. Tonight is more than just about launching an EP. Tonight, in front of an expectant home crowd, is about proving a point.
Since winning the National Student Media Awards in May, Delorentos have been lauded with all manner of compliments. A&R emissaries have trodden a well-worn path from London to Dublin. Notes have been taken, appraisals been scribbled and reports sent back to base. Some have stuck around. Sony scout Hugh Murray is so impressed he’s taken on the role of the group’s manager. Good times, it seems, are around the corner at camp Delorentos.
Of course, the media have been taking notes as well. The potential within the four piece has been noted for some time. Tonight’s show however, follows hot on the heels of a disappointing set at last month’s Hard Working Class Heroes festival. There's a need to be swept off our feet all over again. Tonight it happens.
From the off, Delorentos are in stunning form. Whelan’s has rarely seen a night like it. The set has been chopped, changed and reinvigorated. Professionalism is key to the new look. Gone is the on-stage naivety of the past, swept aside by confidence and showmanship.
Ronan’s fragile vocal wraps around the opener ‘Any Other Way’ to thrilling effect. Crisp and clear, it erupts into an urgent anthem much in debt to Interpol, but without the pomposity. ‘It’s Not Gonna Be Like’ brings a pop approach to the fold while ‘The Rules’ has a fantastic guitar line.
Indeed, tonight Delorentos fit with ease into the sounds of the moment. The closer ‘Leave It On’ evokes Franz, Interpol and The Futureheads. Delorentos look like a band beginning to come of age. It’s fantastic to watch.