Quaint Delusions - Basking In Irrelevance

​Quaint Delusions

Basking In Irrelevance
self-released; 2023

By Matt Jensen

It wasn’t too long ago we did a review of This Far Out by the band Quaint Delusions composed of Michael Starks, Roger Hughes and Steve Dicks. Their debut release was Basking In Irrelevance which was released in 2021. I found Basking In Irrelevance to be on par with their most recent release. There’s a nice array of styles on this release but their music is very much based in rock.

They open with a banger entitled “Make It Alright.” The song revolves around crunchy guitar progressions and a steady rhythm section. I thought the vibe here was pretty joyous and borderline motivational. The song gives you some energy and the shifts in structure ascend and bring you to higher ground. “You Haven't Touched Your Supper” is a highlight. I was reminded of The Beatles with an almost ’90s indie rock style production. It works out quite well. The guitars, organ, bass and drums sound great but the vocals are truly exceptional on this song. Stark sings “And I don’t have a clue of what I gotta do / To stop the clock and make it go away / You haven’t washed your windows yet my dear.”

The next song “Swathcutter” rocks out hard. This song has some attitude and a sense of danger. I thought the production hit the bullseye. It’s got a raw aesthetic but very well mixed. There are some dynamic shifts in the song and the guitars sound wicked. 

They get back into the spirit of The Beatles with “Just A Little Stranger” but again with a more contemporary approach to production. The song moves and I thought the energy here grabs you. There are shifts with the song feeling fluid. On top of that I thought there was one of the coolest guitar solos I heard in recent memory which happens a little after the two-minute mark. This is the arguable single to my ears.

“Gone” is another single-worthy song. In fact this song is infectious from beginning to end. I was bobbing my head along with the beat and melody. “Interesting Times” is a slow burn in comparison but I found myself happy in this headspace. Swirling panned instruments come out creating a canvas for the vocals to breathe. The band continues to crush it with “Chief Barrel Belly” and the more intimate and pensive “Earthly Commotion.” They save one of the best for last entitled “Relevance Aside” which is an off kilter piano ballad of sorts. It’s playful yet emotional and felt like an excellent way to end.

​This album is on point. In my opinion the band's debut and their followup were great albums. I’m glad I discover them and think you will to.