Delorean Drivers review

YORKSHIRE has a rich history of electronic pop, kicking off with the perfection of The Human League’s Dare, and now Leeds popsters Delorean Drivers have ambitions to join them. 

From the first note of their self-titled debut they lay out a pure pop manifesto with the fiesty ‘Depardieu’, complete with real strings courtesy of vocalist Lady Orchestra. 

But the real star of the show is the plaintive, Marc Almond-like voice of Darren Driver, showcased best on ‘Dancing With My Sister’s Boyfriend’, - the most distinctive voice the local scene has produced for some time. 

It is their ambition to rise above the earnest check-shirted indie kids that is their real strength and all that comes together on the epic ‘Empties.’  For such a young band this is an amazing achievement with impassioned lead vocals, driving drums, abrupt gear changes, haunting backing vocals from Lauren and Paula and a hook-line most bands would kill for. 

At the heart of this confident debut is a genuine love of the traditional pop song and unlike so many of their contemporaries, the Drivers remember that all great tracks need a basic verse/strong chorus/verse structure.   

What also makes a difference to their sound is the use of twin guitars from Duncan and Danger, which not only gives the album texture but also a lovely 70s feel on some tracks. 

I suppose, given the male/female lead vocalists, the lazy comparison would be the odious Scissor Sisters but in reality they are more like the Scandinavian pop perfection of Alphabeat. Oh, and more than a smidgeon of Phil Oakey and the girls at their best, which is high praise. 

The only slight quibble is that with nine people contributing to the sound the production could have been more focused, but if they get the major label deal they deserve then a producer can strip the songs down slightly. 

If they get some decent festival slots, and maybe some interest from E4, then this could be Delorean Drivers’ year to break through and they deserve to as this very ambitious debut album is packed full of potential chart hits.