Elway – Delusions

By Devin Morse
Elway is energetic, fun and probably much better at playing punk rock than football. Delusions will bring you back to the good old days of NoFX, Blink 182 and Flogging Molly, while simultaneously dishing out healthy amounts of hilarious irony at the expense of your favorite organized religion.
There are probably a thousand bands across America playing the exact same power chords, singing with the same raspy punk vocals over the same drum beat and using identical hooks and catchy guitar riffs. And yet, in a tried-and-true way, Delusions is more than worth it.
“Wolf Shirt” is a prime example of the album’s sound. The song is heavily driven by thick power chord distortion, providing a strong platform for the catchy vocal melodies.  The verse sections are quieter, using clever refrain and skillful transitions to bring about a screaming, energetic and satisfying chorus.
“San Mateo” is similar in its youth and carelessness. Rapid punk drums and anthem-like vocals tie together palm muted guitar riffs and ironic lyrics that the unknowing listener would mistake as a wholesome Christian theme.
Musically, Delusions is nothing unexpected. The group’s sound capitalizes on the elements that have made pop punk a staple of the American music scene for the past 15 years. Still, in its loud, careless fashion, there is a reason why these elements work so well. Delusions is fun and easy on the surface, and if you look hard enough, full of healthy satire and hilarious social commentary within.
myspace.com/elway