Categories: Reviews

Delay The End – Perfectly Imperfect Album Review

Salt Lake City, Utah based punk rock band Delay The End released their debut album back in June 2023 via 94 Records.

It might be nearly a year on, but after listening to this album, I enjoyed it so much that I had to review it and share it with you all!

Delay The End started as a solo project by Steve Funk back in 2012. In 2020, Doug reached out and started sharing songs he had been writing, that’s when a full band lineup was born, consisting of Steve Funk, Doug Porter, Mike Wynn and Chris Jones.

A handful of Doug’s songs, as well as those written by Steve made you the album Perfectly Imperfect.

Steve quoted,

“The album is very personal to me, even the Title “Perfectly Imperfect” is something I always say to my oldest daughter. With all the pressure for kids today to feel perfect always, it’s hard for kids to feel comfortable with who they are. So I tell her she is perfectly imperfect, meaning with all of our problems and baggage, we are perfect how we are, and don’t need to meet anyone else’s standards.”

My favourite tracks on the album are ‘Independent Groupthink’, ‘Sheep in Wolves Clothing’, ‘Looking back’ and ‘The Last Song’ because of the meanings in the lyrics and they are just brilliant tracks in general! Don’t get me wrong the rest are great as well, but these four just stand out to me a little bit more.

The first track on the album ‘Independent Groupthink’ focuses on the idea that it’s ok to listen to your own mind, and think for yourself, but having too many people and media outlets telling you how and what to think. This song has the similar sound to early Blink 182, especially the ‘Dude Ranch’ era.

Now onto the second track ‘Sheep in Wolves Clothing’ , it jumps into a more punk rock vibe in the style of NOFX’s album ‘Punk in Drublic’. After being bullied at school, 20+ years on, I can look back and really agree that bullies are cowards! We can all defeat those cowards by just being you, and there’s no need to hide who you are.

‘Looking Back’ features the incredible Mike LeDonne from the band, CHASER. Steve said,

“Written for a good friend of mine who I know has been through some tough times, and I wanted him to know that no matter what, I’m always there for him, and we can always be a good friend to others and be there when they struggle.”

I love this song because of its meaning, and because I am one of those friends that always reaches out to ensure others are ok.

Lastly, I’ll talk about ‘The Last Song’, which for me personally is the best track on the album and the one that hits the deepest lyrically focusing more on the victim of a bully. “Let me tell you, you’re not the only one that feels lost, defeated and down” is one of the lyrics in this track and one that I’d love to tell my past self, that all is going to be ok and one day you’ll be doing what you love, writing reviews for really awesome bands!

I’m gutted I didn’t come across this album earlier to be honest and be able listen to it more! It’s going to be a go to album for me for years to come.

I really look forward to new music by Delay The End, and are planning to release more in the very best future!

Their most recent release is a cover of The Bag (track #55) by NOFX, on the Coffin Curse Records NOFX tribute album.

Listen to their perfect album, ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ here.