Ampop - My Delusions
For the deficit of bands still keen on exhibiting the Coldplay brand of light melody and stringy atmospherics to make any kind of mainstream impression in 2006, the year chav-rock seems set to takeover the world, there is going to have to be something very special to set them apart.
Icelanders Ampop appear to walk the sort of line that separates cynical re-hash from genuine contender, a line that in the last year or so has seen bands such as 13 Senses and Longview falling by the wayside. However, for as much as the spirit of 2004 is clearly inherent in the bands fabric, there is a genuine honesty in opener 'My Delusions' that really speaks volumes for the integrity of song writing, while B-side 'Youth,' is the sort of beautifully crafted song Mew seem intent on not writing anymore.
Add to the mix the feel of fellow Icelanders, Sigur Ros, in some of the string arrangements and what you have is a single, not particularly original in dynamic, but genuinely heart-felt in delivery.