I’ll admit it. The only reason I checked out this Colorado band was because they’re named after my favorite Denver Broncos quarterback. The fact that the band delivers a solid debut album is just an added bonus.
The strength of “Delusions” rests in its looseness. Elway churns out barroom punk rock in the vein of Hot Water Music or early Alkaline Trio, propelled by gruff vocals and catchy hooks. Though the record walks a path littered with broken hearts, the gang-vocal “whoa-oh-ohs” give an undeniable hope that everything is going to be okay.
“Delusions” may not be wildly inventive, but still makes a great first impression.
For fans of: Lawrence Arms, Gaslight Anthem
Rating: 3 of 4
Check out: Passing Days
(And don’t forget to watch the magical moment of “The Drive” by John Elway himself, shown above.)
