Over the past several years Delaire The Lair have forged a reputation for their live shows, events where chaos and introspection are presented in a visceral unionised form. Self Defence presents this energy on record.
The follow up to 2021’s Eat Your Own, with this EP the band have drilled down to create an emotionally charged and introspective record that is as rich in complexity as it is musically. Here, Delaire The Liar have set out to explore and challenge the idea of self defence, to not only look into these topic areas but to ask the question of whether any defence is too drastic when emotional attachment is also an element in the given circumstance.
Presented through four separate fictional situations, in these tracks there is a clear ambition, drive and a sense of utmost urgency. Single and opener ‘angel number.’ provides a delicate inception to the new era of Delaire and see’s Em Lodge take lead vocal duties. It’s a beautifully balanced song with oft angelic vocals, punchy rhythm and drum patterns. In fact, this track highlights the newfound energy at the crux of Delaire’s nature. Lead single ‘bite trap.’ bears further witness to this and highlights the band’s ability to mix emotion with tenacity, openly wearing vulnerability on their collective sleeves and masquerading it as a strength in confidence and delivery.
Meanwhile, ‘all your labour.’ is a raucous and swirling track with bustling riffs and an explosive chorus. Delaire The Liar are at their best when there is an unhinged element to their music and this demonstrates it wonderfully yet strikingly, the clean and screamed harmonies between Lodge and Ffin Colley sounding off-the-cuff and explosive. This band may have become primally known for this sense of combustable energy in a live environment, but even on record this track feels like lightning in a bottle with it’s unbridled energy and defiance. Set to synergise with their esteemed live presence, this is sure to become a live staple even in years to come. ‘forebodies.’ closes out the EP and does not disappoint in terms of it’s intensity and impact. Melodic screams and further harmonies cement that this is where the magic lies for Delaire and really what sets them apart from their contemporaries. The track never really stays in one place either, rampaging towards its conclusion and it’s related catharsis with haste.
Delaire The Liar used 2021’s Eat Your Own EP to set a bar that set them aside from the norm, not relying on tropes and creating a sonic whirlwind musically. Self Defence is the band flexing their muscles and combining this with their ability to tell a story and dip into theatrical and fictional elements to craft music both unique and fresh. The end result is a body of work that ratchets that aforementioned bar up a few notches. This EP is affirmation that this wonderful band are clearly capable of not only writing in this way but delivering it with precision and individuality. With no metaphorical ceiling to what the band could achieve in the future, Self Defence is a remarkable and exciting sign of things to come for Delaire The Liar.