David Delinquent & The IOUS may be fairly new on the scene, having started up in 2021, but they certainly don’t play like newcomers. Frontman David Delinquent has been around the block with previous project The Delinquents, and the IOUS themselves have been making the rounds with club gigs and festivals around the UK including the crown jewel of punk festivals, Rebellion Festival in Blackpool. Now the band has committed their power pop and punk stylings to wax in the form of their debut Scandal.
This record is no frills rock n roll pop perfection. With guitars that span from the swagger of Johnny Thunders to sugary riffs that would sit well on a Rick Springfield tune, the raw energy is met with tuneful songwriting and roughed up melodic vocals giving the whole affair a bit of punk attitude. The snarling bass and pounding drums on songs like “Alleycats In Love” and “Hangin’ Out” keep the songs from veering too far into pop territory, while the addition of sax adds to the 77’ style exemplified by icons like X-Ray Spex or fellow countrymen The Rezillos.
Overall, Scandal is a ripping debut full of pop hooks, razor sharp riffs, and classic power pop songwriting that is sure to bring the IOUS a loyal fanbase of rock n roll lovers. If you enjoy The Nerves, Generation X, Johnny Thunders and The Heartbreakers etc, then this might well be worth your time. Pick up your copy now from 13 Deluxe Records!