- @TwoDaff
False State of Affairs EP - Deltamanic
By Daffs aka @TwoDaff
Deltamanic are a 7-piece band from Alloa, Scotland. Formed in 2021 when frontman Dean Oliver brought a group of childhood friends together to create a powerful line-up of 3 guitars, 4 singers, bass, drums & keyboard, Deltamanic have crafted a unique mix of styles including Funk, Rock n’ Roll, Indie, Soul & Disco, all with live shows in mind.
The band consists of Dean Oliver (Lead Vocals/Lead Guitar), Kyla Brisbane (Vocals), Ross McShane (Guitar/Vocals), Jack Pickles (Bass/Vocals), Callum Stewart (Rhythm Guitar), Ben Hunter (Keys/Synth) and Ali Boag (Drums). Previous releases include the singles ‘Come on Now’, ‘Free my Soul’ and more recently ‘False State of Affairs’. They released their debut EP ‘Midas Touch’ in 2022. Now they are set to release their second EP ‘False State of Affairs’ in the coming weeks with a brand new single ‘Better Believe It’ released on 28th April.
Deltamanic are fast becoming a favourite of mine having only stumbled across them with the release of their last single. They offer a different vibe to the plethora of indie bands out there. The have the indie sentimentality injected with a huge hit of rock infused funk with an added hit of groove. Highly accomplished musicians are evident along with smooth vocals from both Dean and Kyla. Definitely ones to keep an eye on in my opinion.
So, let’s dive into the EP.
A great bluesy vocal
Lifeline A funk filled track, grooving bass lines and lead riffs infused with a glorious Wah riff bubbling underneath. Broken only by a great bluesy vocal. Its tight. I like the switches between both vocalists, they compliment each other perfectly. In addition, backing vocals from other band members add a distinct harmony that’s evident within the band.
Upbeat and infectious
The bass line grooves and gives the rest of the band something to bounce off, choppy licks and riffs add another layer, the use of the Wah is great, it creates depth and atmosphere whilst adding a slight air of anticipation. The mid-section slows a little and the emphasis is on the vocals, which I have to add are fantastic, guitars and bass cut in and build to crescendo to take us to the end. A great opening track. Catchy as hell, upbeat and infectious.
Wah infused riffs and solos
Better Believe It released as a single, has a different vibe without taking away the funk elements, I get a hint of Lenny Kravitz within the guitar parts. An underlying bass groove once again creates the template, the track has that dirty almost sleazy rock groove, the vocals are again on point, smooth almost rasping whilst Kyla jumps in and lifts everything to another level. And yet again we have Wah infused riffs and solos that scintillate. Another addictive track.
Another vocal masterpiece
Remember the Fall is next, another vocal masterpiece, a blend of bluesy funk rock. It has a choppy rhythm with dirty riffs and solos that shine. Full of harmonies and melodies it grooves and meanders, the lead riffs cry out to be heard. Probably more soulful than the previous tracks, the lead vocal is delivered with a velvety smoothness with an added rock element thrown in once again from Kyla.
One thing I have noticed about Deltamanic is their variability, I think this is down to the vocal switches between Dean and Kyla, in addition the backing vocals add further texture, its bluesy, then its soulful, then its funk driven. In my opinion this gives everything a different edge, it’s a vibe and sound I like, its different, its vibrant and bloody effective…anyway I digress…. False State of Affairs I have previously reviewed and you can read the review HERE.
Plenty of soul
No Pity For a Fool is the penultimate track, this has a more indie rock vibe, Kyla takes the lead here, and again the vocal is pitch perfect backed with added vocals from the rest of the band. There’s a bit of an underlying 60’s vibe here, you can pick out the keys underneath the main guitar riffs and rhythms. It has plenty of soul infused within and then we have the trademark Wah infused solo...love it.
Chiming guitars and keys add a backdrop
Soul Train opens with a melodic riff, chiming guitars and keys add a backdrop for Deans vocal to shine again. Packed with energy and driven forward by a great drum rhythm, it thunders through the chorus in true rock fashion. And then we have an amazing example of funky Wah solos, I love a Wah pedal, the more the merrier. This is yet another great track and a great way to close out the EP.
A blend of funk, rock, blues and soul
Overall, Deltamanic have a little bit of everything, they have the modern indie sound yet it’s a blend of funk, rock, blues and soul. This creates a fresh new sound that is a delight. Every member is accomplished in what they do, this EP highlights everyone, grooving basslines, tight rhythms, scintillating keys, dirty rock influenced riffs mixed with funk driven solo’s…oh and did I mention a Wah pedal?
Bluesy textured tones from Dean to the soulful resonance of Kyla
The vocals are just fantastic, both Dean and Kyla sound fantastic, they compliment each perfectly, from the bluesy textured tones from Dean to the soulful resonance of Kyla, it’s a great combination.
A band not to be missed
Deltamanic are a band not to be missed, I thoroughly recommend you check them out, I was late to the party, now I’m here I intend to get immersed, they have a great sound, I highly recommend these guys. Check them out.
You can find out more including how to presave here