Review | Delights – If Heaven Looks A Little Like This

Label: Modern Sky

By Meghan Glover

Manchester five-piece Delights kick-off 2025 with an absolute banger of an album – ‘If Heaven Looks A Little Like This’. 12 tracks, 12 bops and an exciting exploration of genres. 

Adam Maxwell’s vocals scratch that musical itch from the very first minute until the last, taking us on a delightful journey through funky slow jams, dreamy ballads and foot-stomping indie-pop hits. 

With psychedelia, soul, disco and rock, the genre range here is nothing short of impressive. Catchy melodies from bassist Ben Kirkland and guitarist Ben Squires, alongside the steady hum of the drums from Leo Willis slot the tracks together effortlessly in this jigsawed album.

From high-energy tracks like ‘Two Times Over’ to melancholy keys in ‘The Way Things Used To Be’, and groovy riffs in ‘Take A Picture’ and ‘Soft Top’, Delights are not messing about.

An honourable mention has to go out to the blend from fully instrumental track ‘Hotel Lobby’ into ‘Hotel Bar’ – a much appreciated addition to this album. 

As a change of pace, and to switch things up even more, bassist Kirkland was passed the baton of lead vocals on ‘And It Goes’, track that, according to Delights, was born lyrically out of frustration surrounding the handling of their band, lending to its gritty and aggressive nature. This track in particular marks something new for the Mancunians, and competes against the band’s self-described ‘happy-go-lucky’ sound. 

‘If Heaven Looks A Little Like This’ took form during the band’s getaway to northern France and with the essence of sunnier days and lighter evenings infused into the songs, listening to it in its entirety feels like one long walk in the countryside. 

All in all, this genre-smashing album should lead to bigger and better things for Delights and, with an upcoming tour on the way, this one is sure to be a crowd pleaser.