August 07, 2010

British electronic act Delphic's debut album, "Acolyte," is a seamless fusion of electro beats and despondent vocals that serve as the backdrop to a lyrical theme about dealing with the end of a relationship. Singer James Cook pleads with a former lover throughout the set—it's most apparent on wistful track "Red Lights," where he admits, "If you were to call/I'd risk a second broken heart for you." And on the frenzied "Counterpoint" he realizes his relationship has finally ended ("And you just don't come back around/It seems to me that we will never be"). The album's two instrumental tracks—"Ephemera" and "Acolyte," which feature distorted synths and wordless chants—sound fittingly religious, given the set's title. But Delphic is at its best on the pop-leaning cut "Doubt" and the captivating "Halcyon," which features a cold vocal delivery and scattershot synths.—Gabriella Landman

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