Pop/Review Delta of Venus - Disengaged b/w Slipping
Delta of Venus began in a basement practice room in 1993 when three friends decided to start a band, but with one caveat—they would choose instruments they couldn’t play. Dawn Estabrooks hadn’t picked up a guitar in five years and wasn’t much of a player at that time. Mat Tarbox had been cutting teeth in the Mystic, CT, indie scene as a vocalist for years but was now going to play bass guitar. Ellery Twining walked out from behind his drum set, where he sat with local group 17 Relics for years; he would pick up the guitar as well.
The song "Disengaged b/w Slipping" by Delta of Venus, which combines Ellery's inventive composition with a new lineup and viewpoint, signifies the band's expressive comeback. The band's departure from conventional song structures and adoption of a fluid, movement-based approach to creation is evident in the two tracks, which were recorded at Dirt Floor Recording and Production.
The songs develop as linked aural landscapes, eschewing traditional verse-chorus structures. A sensation of immersive architecture is produced by layers of ethereal guitars, luscious soundscapes, and melodic progressions. Instead of relying on cliched hooks or solos, the songs allow listeners to become engrossed in the glistening, surreal atmosphere that characterizes Delta of Venus' take on indie pop and shoegaze.
The project gains fresh vitality with the inclusion of Issy as a vocalist. Her accidental discovery at Mystic Disc and the hectic recording session that followed in June 2024 gave the songs a natural, impromptu feel. Recorded in under three hours, Issy's vocals enhance the band's complex sound layers with a haunting clarity and tenderness.
"Disengaged" and "Slipping" show how Delta of Venus has changed as a group and as an artistic force. The songs capture the energy of a reformed ensemble discovering its voice while also resonating with Ellery's mature solo work. The band's capacity to produce music that is both inventive and profoundly poignant is demonstrated by this release, which also serves as a declaration of artistic renewal. Both fans of indie music and shoegaze enthusiasts should listen to this.