Signed to Big Dada, Kieren Dickens, aka, DELS has shot straight to the tip of everyones tongue, being supported by many in the music community via a large amount of radio play and an incredible amount of hype. Similar to many past albums that came from a large build up, it’s fair to say that there was a lot of pressure on this young MC to deliver the goods but deliver he did. His debut GOB has been highly anticipated and, after the first release from his forthcoming album, it was clear to everyone that hip-hop in the UK was hitting new heights.

This backwards-trippy concoction of euphoric electro synths and numbing beats are brought down to earth by DELS razor sharp tongue and modest vocals. The ferocious lyrics he brings to each track are teamed with light humour and harsh realities. There’s no talk of bitches and cars but of hangovers, dreams and a loss of direction. He is clearly keeping it true to what he knows, as is the key to making great art. He opens the album eloquently, expressing his fears in songs such as Hydronenburg; “can’t keep drifting along, working extra long hours in this dead end job…” This is a true sign of DELS ability as an MC, connecting himself with the every day and proudly representing the state of British Hip Hop in todays scarce collection.

Balancing his harsh realities with childlike fantasies is another reason his lyrical writing is so endearing. In Shapeshift, he lets us peek into his naïve nostalgia; “I’m a superhero mum honest, you should have seen me earlier runnin’ like Sonic”. His raw passion for his music shines through in every lyric he spits at you, which makes me feel that this newcomer is here to stay.

All of the stories and confessions he expresses are thrown at you alongside the equally spontaneous production of three musicians; former band mate Micachu, Joe Goddard of Hot Chip and Kwes. With each of these brilliant artists collaborating with ease, they mix their influences to direct DELS' talent as an MC to many a surprising turn, making the listener feel as though they are falling through the chronicles of DELS. With guest vocals from Roots Manuva and Elan Tamara, this is a truthful and enchanting debut giving the listener the perfect introduction into the life of DELS. We look forward to where he takes us to next...