So it's about time that we got around to telling you about the very latest Delirious album. The band have been in the studio, trying to perfect that studio couch chic, since the start of 05 and, so the story goes, they've done well. The album ranks as one of the band's most intriguing so far, mainly for the fact that few have heard it. So to get you the knowledge on the sounds and the soul behind it, here's what the band had to say about it:

Cybersmalltalk: Did you (personally) try anything different on this album?

Tim: As we started off tracking in a studio together with a grand piano in the room I really tried to make this work as much as possible, and so I guess there's more acoustic piano on this album than previous recordings.

Jon-the-bassist: Braeburn apples. They're a favourite of Mr Gibson's and make a change from the Pink Ladies.

Stu G: Yes. I think every musician is kind of unhappy with where they are and I wanted to experiment a bit. A couple of things come to mind, combining voice and guitar loops on a couple of songs and also on another song not playing any chords but making them up by playing single notes. This was inspired by watching how string parts are put together.

CST: Did the recording process feel similar to any other album in particular or did it feel distinctly different? If so, why?

Martin: It was distinctly different in that we went to a proper studio to track and were away from home for a week at a time. We came in with songs less formed than usual and formed them as we went. I think you can hear the record has a great flow to it because of this.

Stew: It felt very easy, we went into the studio to put down some thoughts and write more as a band from the floor, Martin and Stu both had great ideas and once we were in the flow there was no stopping us.

SG: The main difference was in how we started. Rather than Martin and myself recording demos, we all went into the studio and bashed out the songs together.

CST: What was your highlight while recording?

T: One of my highlights is always when David and Carrie Grant come down with their friends and get singing. they are so full of life, energy and passion. It's very exciting.

J-t-b: Working with Tim Harries, an inspirational man whom we worked with on the Mezzamorphis string arrangements. He's sprinkled the sonic sugar on this project too.

M: Having someone make you a cup of tea at ICC [studios]. Doing the strings and choir recording in my lounge: it was an experiment that was exciting. Re-writing 'Stronger' at the 11th hour and it turning out great.

CST: What's your favourite song?

T: I am currently at the stage where this changes every day for me. A couple of my favourites are 'All This Time' and 'Take Off My Shoes'.

J-t-b: 'Lady In Red'.

M: 'Take Off My Shoes'.

S: 'Stronger'.

SG: This changes daily but I think 'Solid Rock' is my current favourite.

CST: If this album hadn't been made by Delirious, which other artist/hybrid of bands do you think could have made it?

J-t-b: A young Billy Graham fronting the Manic Street Preachers of the late 90's [without the dresses]. Not really, but it's a nice picture.

M: No-one I can think of, it's completely Delirious?!

SG: Hayseed Dixie/The Darkness.

CST: Isn't it about time you lot retired and took up lawn bowls?

J-t-b: [SINCE JON STILL GETS ASKED IF HIS PARENTS ARE IN WHEN STRANGERS COME TO THE DOOR, THERE WASN'T MUCH POINT IN ASKING HIM THIS QUESTION. HE WAS ALSO KEEN TO GET BACK TO HIS ALLOTMENT.]

M: Sometimes I think that would be a good idea, until we play in front of 60,000 people who are belting out the songs as if their lives depended on it. If it did happen I think it would have to be golf instead of bowls anyway.

SG: Lawn bowls? Sounds like work to me!
      
   

iTunes

Geek fact: 87% of all UK music downloads are purchased through iTunes. No, this is not a desperate plug to get free gear from Apple, but instead a warm up to the fact that on October 11 th you'll be able to witness yet another first for Delirious. This time it's the band's first ever iTunes single download.

delirious+itunes+11+october+2005=brand new d: single
      
   

Hot Seat: Sam Gibson

Q. Producer extraordinaire, Mr Gibson isn't from round here…
Let's get things clear from the start: you're foreign, aren't you?
Has that been a problem working with Delirious?

A. No Problem, Luckily us Kiwis understand the deep sarcastic nature of the english.

Q. This isn’t the first time at the D:desk is it? How come you’re
back for more?

A. Need The Money for my crazy spending habits.

Q. How does the album compare to previous D: releases?

A. I think this album can stand with it's head held high, the songs are as strong as ever and there is a great deal of hard hitting and timely truth in the Lyrics.

Q. Which one of the band is the most ill-tempered in the morning?

A. Fairly even race for this title except Stu G isn't in the running
cause he's never ill-tempered, hmmm pass.

Q. Please complete the phrase: working with Delirious is like…
A. Large cappuccinos, Home made tuna sandwiches and lemon cake.

Q. How would you sum up the band’s attitude to this album?

A. Strong, Deep and intense.

Q. Were there any surprises working on it?

A.Yeah, they don't argue like a normal band

Q. I’ve just had a look at www.samgibson.net and I’ve got to admit that I liked it. Just thought I’d let people know.

A. Cheers Bro

And finally...
What does the big man have to say about it? We asked D:manager Tony Patoto for his take on the album. He didn't give it. In fact, he left the company and the country.

We love you and we'll miss you, Mr P. Enjoy your new adventure.

Keep your eyes peeled for a full report on the big man's past, present and future in the next issue of Cybersmalltalk.