Introducing... Delphic

By Greg Cochrane
Newsbeat music reporter

The self-proclaimed antidote to Manchester's musical 'lull', the indie-dance trio are killing off the traditional guitar for good.

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Watch: Delphic's video for debut single Counterpoint

For a city that's supposed to be so grey, Manchester has produced some pretty colourful music over the years.

Oasis, Joy Division, The Stone Roses, The Smiths, Elbow and The Courteeners to name just a fistful.

Faced with that illustrious history you'd image most new bands would be quaking in their Converse. Not Delphic though.

"Whilst you can't help be inspired and influenced by the Manchester acts of the past we don't let it govern what we do," says guitarist Matt Cocksedge defiantly.

"You've always go to be looking to surpass the achievements of previous Manchester bands. There's that competition thing isn't there?"

City's history

Whilst not contesting the Gallagher's gobby crown just yet, the threesome - Matt Cocksedge [guitar], Rick Boardman [synths], James Cook [vocals] and live drummer Dan Theman - are pretty confident of their own imminent success.

"We also want to make Manchester dance again - there's nothing exciting the city," adds Boardman.

Delphic, the facts WHAT: Manchester's geeky sonic wizards FOR FANS OF: Bloc Party, The Big Pink, LCD Soundsystem, Sigur Ros DOWNLOAD: Counterpoint CLICK ON: www.myspace.com/delphic LIVE: On tour throughout this year

Don't be fooled though, Delphic might look cherubs but they're experienced hands in this business.

"We'd been in bands previously, got bored, uninspired and felt that the music scene was slowing down," says Cocksedge.

Indeed, look at new bands like Magistrates and White Lies - both got knocked back the first time they strove for success, only to come back stronger.

"It's invaluable experience, all that we did before," says Cocksedge. "The biggest thing we've learned is just to please yourself and don't worry about anyone else liking it or not liking it."

Formed as a result of a perceived "lull" in decent music, especially in their native city, the three live and work together in a shared pad in Manchester.

"It's very neat and orderly," says Boardman, painting the picture. "It's very modernist - nothing much going on. Then you go into one room where there are about 13 synthesizers, wires, and computers everywhere."

"We like our clean spaces - clears the mind" jokes Cocksedge. "We just need lots of wiring and electronics around us - that's our comfort blanket."

Guitar is dead

Speaking of electronics, the band aren't fans of other artists re-hashing traditional guitar music. In fact, it's part of their mission statement.

"The guitar is dead, long live the guitar," says Cocksedge. "Guitar music has just become very dull to me.

The biggest thing we've learned is just to please yourself and don't worry about anyone else liking it or not liking it Matt Cocksedge, guitarist, Delphic

"You can still make some really interesting sounds, sounds which haven't been heard before.

"It can be a tortuous process at times."

The result of their collective labour is a collection of swelling indie-dance belters. With its dance-floor engaging charms akin to Bloc Party's So Here We Are, seven minute debut single Counterpoint has already earned them a deal with Yeah Yeah Yeahs' home Polydor.

"Counterpoint just felt like it should be a bit of an epic," shrugs Cocksedge.

The band - who when they play live don't break between songs - have already been on tour with The Streets and Bloc Party playing huge venues.

"We don't mind playing the big venues," he smiles. "We'll play whatever venues we want."

Not daunted by big auditoriums?

"No not at all" says Cocksedge fixing a stare. "We're from Manchester!"