Better Things
Self-Released, 2025
10/10
The Manchester legends The Man From Delmonte return after a long hiatus, and Mike West, Sheila Seal, Martin Vincent and Howard Goody are picking right up from where they left off in the early ‘90s with their irresistible brand of pop.
The crisp and jangly “222 Charles Barry Crescent” starts with Goody’s frisky drums alongside Vincent’s harmonic guitar, and “Believe Me” follows with Bob Dinn’s bright trumpet that suits the energetic and melodic climate.
Landing in the middle, the breezy and playful “The Number One” allows for Mike West’s animated voice to shine alongside a dance floor ready mood, while “Every Time” showcases Seals’ skilled bass and Dinn’s well timed flugelhorn in both soft and fuller bouts.
Getting close to the end, “Ugly Part Of Town” carries a poetic quality that brings harmonica to the folk-rock nods, and “Lebanese American” exits with West’s cozy acoustic guitar and lively hand clapping that also recruits a charming guitar crunch.
An incredible comeback album, the is indie-rock at its finest, where every song is the best song you’ve heard lately and will want to hear again, immediately.
Travels well with: Serious Child- What Lies Beneath; Chris Cleverly- Broadcast The Secret Verse