Quaint Delusions is a Tampa, FL indie rock band with Michael Starks in the lead. It all started when in 2018 two of Starks’ bandmates (Roger Hughes and Steve Dicks) asked if Starks wanted to join their band. As it turned out, Starks somehow got Hughes and Dicks to join his band instead. Gradually, Starks enlisted the help of Kevin DeHart (drummer) and Dave Lane (lap steel guitar). What emerged was Quaint Delusions, a band that caters to indie and alternative rock music that recalls in my mind The Beatles and The Beach Boys as well as other like-minded bands. Warm instrumentals and energized vocals are what immediately arrests listeners once you hit play on Quaint Delusions’ latest record This Far Out.
This Far Out opens up with “Happy Ending,” which starts out with some shimmering guitars. Gradually, some percussion and drums join in for a very warm feel. Once Starks’ vocals arrived, I was immediately drawn to the great sounds and it reminded me of The Beatles. I also detected a bit of punk here as the vocals could get gritty at a drop of a hat. “Had To Be You” had a surf and garage rock sound. I loved the energy of this number. The pop sounds sounded contagious and addictive. I felt myself being drawn to the upbeat vibes on this groovy track. Some smoky blues comes from the guitars on “Rest Of The Way.” The wailing guitars and distorted vocals really made a gnarly and exciting sound. On the piano-based ballad “A Credit To You,” Starks’ vulnerable vocals light up the sounds. The vibe was simmering and slow burning which was a direct departure from the band’s faster paced and upbeat sound. Altogether this showed a different side to the band’s sound, which I enjoyed.
Some steel lap guitar as well as other shimmering vocals enter for a great sound on “Why’d You Wait So Long.” Starks’ vocals are sung away from the mic, giving off an echo-y sound. I was getting surf, indie and garage rock here. On “Ashtray,” more rambunctious music comes from the band on this revving song. The energy of this number definitely made me want to get up and dance. The band throws their all into this track that has a rock n’ roll vibe with a touch of country and Americana coming from the steel lap guitar. I was also getting some punk from the vocals that are shouted in gusto. On a more somber note, “So Many Pieces” starts out with some noodling on the acoustic guitar, steel lap guitar and piano. I was getting some melancholy vibes from this song. Starks sings with mood and feeling on this number that was both moody and pensive at the same time. An upbeat melody comes from the piano on “Funny.” Some percussion accompanies Starks on this piano ballad. This proved to be a whimsical track that was a moving way for the band to send us off with.
The band jams out on this eight-track collection to great effect. This was an album, with great tunes and melody that is both catchy and fun-loving at the same time. This was a good start and I look forward to seeing more from them soon!
