London-based Dream Delay blend elements of rock, grunge, indie and pop in an engaging sound that they describe as “enigmatic, contrasting and dreamy.”
The band started out when French vocalist Lonvy and guitarist SCR, from London, met on the music industry networking app Vampr and began writing together in 2022. Back then, Lonvy told SCR on she wasn’t necessarily looking to join a band long-term as she wanted to focus on a solo project. But it quickly became clear that their collaboration was the direction she’sdbeen searching for. They teamed up with Argentinian drummer Gian and bassist Juani before releasing their debut single Eye That Sees in October.
On the sound they’ve crafted, Lonvy told us: “Our sound is guitar-led with strong melodic vocals. We’re about creating music that feels immersive and emotionally honest. We’re interested in contrast, softness and heaviness, introspection and release. There’s a contemporary polish to the sound, but it keeps an indie core.”
To get a taste for this, the band sent us their second single Lilies of the Valley, which was released earlier this month. It opens up with light guitars and an atmospheric synth sound, which give way to flickering guitar notes and light drums under Lonvy’s engaging vocals. That flows into a delicious chorus “Remember why we came back, We lost ourselves to find ourselves back, If you listen carefully, you will hear it’s calling you, They haven’t given up on you, You haven’t given up on yourself,” supported by dreamy instrumentals.
The pace drops for another melancholy verse that builds into another big chorus, which ends with drawn-out guitars and dreamy vocals. Then suddenly, heavier guitars kick in and a distant siren sound sees the pace build in a far more energetic section led by more intense vocals, driving drums and a piercing guitar lick. That sets up a big final blast of the chorus to bring the track to a powerful conclusion.
On the track, Lonvy said: “Lilies of the Valley surprised some listeners because it carries a different energy from our previous single Eye That Sees. While it still features heavy guitar riffs and subtle pop elements that feel very ‘us,’ it leans more toward introspection than immediacy or fun. It’s a slow-burning track that builds tension, inviting reflection and emotional release. The response to the music video has also been positive, people connected with the imagery of the band reuniting in an open landscape.
“For anyone listening for the first time, you can expect a grungy, ’90s-inspired ballad with shoegaze textures, a strong guitar presence, and powerful vocals. It’s introspective, atmospheric, and dramatic, with a big chorus and a heavy breakdown.”
The band have since followed that up with their third single Back To San Diego, released last week. It starts with light guitars and vocals, before stabbing guitars take us into a flowing chorus that ends with high-pitched vocals. Like its predecessor, it picks up pace towards the end of the track, with a fun driving riff and a piercing guitar note over wailing vocals, teeing up a final chorus. Both of those tracks follow on from the debut single Eye That Sees, which you can check out in the video below:
The Dream Delay sound has been heavily influenced by 90s music and grunge, especially bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, Radiohead and Placebo. And on what inspires them to write music, Lonvy told us: “I write lyrics that capture defining, powerful moments in my life, honoring both the experiences and the people in them. I also explore more abstract, spiritual themes touching on light, hope, community, emotional freedom, creating songs that feel like personal anthems. I hope to bring inspiration and a sense of connection to listeners.”
There’s plenty more to come from the band, with more tracks in production and ready to be released throughout the rest of the year. They’re currently working out whether to release them as singles, an EP or in an album.
And Lonvy added: “Creatively, we want to start experimenting more with electronic elements and push our sound into new territory. Alongside that, we’re aiming to play as many live shows as possible, hopefully including our first festivals.”
You can follow Dream Delay on Instagram, and check out their music on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.
Listen to Dream Delay and more new bands on our Spotify playlists GigRadar Grunge and GigRadar Rock
GigRadar 