Yes, sun is still the operative word for Delorean’s sound. The Barcelonan-quartet are dishing out the same sun-soaked anthems so easily loved from the Ayrton Senna EP (Or for the big fan, the two full-lengths that preceded it.)
On first listen, the changes Ayrton to Subiza are minute and the sound evolution is practically indistinguishable. As Delorean vocalist told us a few weeks ago, the recording of Subiza immediately followed that of Ayrton, even before a single review had been written. So it’s hardly surprising the two releases are one of the same. But when a band releases an EP as instantly entrancing as Ayrton Senna, change of sound is a bad thing. (For those new to Delorean, listen to “Seasun” and “Deli” to understand the meaning of “infectious”.)
Subiza is less interested in “simpler” pop music than its predecessor: it favors texture over quick hooks, richer sounds over cascading anthems, moodiness over perma-celebration, and genuine lyrics over one-line sing-alongs. Consequently, it feels like a longer listen. With nine songs rather than four, there is more room for band development, but the lesser tracks blend uniformly, namely in that the middle-songs (“It’s All Ours”, “Real Love”, “Simple Graces”) sound similar when lined up in succession.
Homogeneity is the album’s main shortcoming, but one easily redeemed by genuine bangers and affecting melodies. “Grow” illuminates Delorean’s growth more than any other track, with its sleek synths and earnest lyrics. Lead single “Stay Close”, though plunked as the second to last track, is a bona fide anthem that’ll be the entrance point for many listeners. “Endless Sunset” demonstrates the full-band at work with its percussive energy pushing the song relentlessly forward.
Lastly, the band’s live performance adds significant personality to songs that glide by unnoticed on the album.
Ultimately, Subiza is a rewarding listen to fans of atmospheric-pop and quite likely anyone who’s ever appreciated a Cut Copy, Tough Alliance, or Miike Snow song. With Pitchfork’s recent stamp of approval, it’s entirely possible Subiza will launch Delorean’s career into mainstream attention – or at least a summertime Apple ad.
