Everything’s so beautiful in full colour
Delta Sleep, Not Really Either
Arena Wien – Kleine Halle, Austria 20260226
Arena got to be within a trilogy of headline shows that Delta Sleep offered in their Europe & UK Tour, accompanying Hot Mulligan through all the other cities. But here, at home, they were joined by the locals, Not Really Either, a post-hardcore/Math rock introduction sounding sharp for the British band to come.
And oh boy! They delivered. With “only” an EP out, their homonymous Not Really Either EP (2023), the three Austrians made a stance and performed and represented what we all love about this genre. Strong and perfectly timed drums, a five-string bass adding flourish to each song, and a masterfully done fingerpicking guitar to spice up the songs. I was left craving for more, and I hope I get the chance to see them live again soon.
Eardrums and heads warmed. We were all ready and expectant to what was coming. Stage ready with some light spheres to add ambience, a fairly simple display of the band’s aesthetics, and a Kufiya tied to an amp to remain true to their pro-Palestinian stance. Which I admire and share with them.
The set started with Slow Burn from their latest album Blue Garden (2024), followed by an intercalation of songs along their discography, Afterimage from Ghost City (2018), then a personal favorite, Lake Sprinkle Sprankle from Twin Galaxies (2015), and The Softest Touch from Spring Island (2021). But not to list all their albums, which I would recommend each one of them, you might get the idea that I want to point out. It was a setlist that felt well thought out to please their fans, taking pieces from everywhere.
Beyond those square and mere informatic notes. I would like to point out the sensations and emotions they have provoked with their set. Overall, all about them expresses catharsis, and not releasing. Could be the energetic drums of Dave Morgan, who recently joined the band and played, as I told him, like a real monster. Or could it be the noticeable shared vibe of Devin, Glen, and Dave Jackson on the bass?
Also, by now, for me, to go to a first-time seen live band concert is a rare occasion. And realizing that made me connect with the experience more. Over-analyzing? Maybe, worth noticing? Hell yeah. How many times do we get the chance to experience something for the first time?.
Note to the above: it was Delta Sleep first time playing in Vienna too.
As speechless as I was left. I can only cite the beautiful lyrics of Devin. “Everything’s so beautiful in full colour” (El Pastor, Ghost City-2018) and they made me notice it in an enclosed Kleine Halle in the middle of a city (contrary to the spirit of the song, but I’ll take that poetic liberty). And in the end, out of a sudden, you agree that together with music, live music, “before you know, you’ll find a home“.
To the setlist, remains to add El Pastor as they played it after a short encore to close the night beautifully.
“Y es que es así como te quiero, y es que es así como te veo”.
Shout out to Andi (our own Steäm Machine) and my chosen family MARSO Studio (check them out, they’re very talented). For the photos, the company, and cool vibes.