Squelchy bass and syncopated rhythms meet a languid, art-school flow. Intelligent, electronic-heavy hip-hop for late nights and deep focus.
DELS sounds like the intersection of a graphic design studio and a rainy London street corner. His music is defined by a 'languid' flow that feels effortlessly cool, draped over production that is often sparse, clinical, and deeply rhythmic. There is a tactile quality to the beats, full of squelchy synths and tinkering percussion that suggests a meticulous, visual approach to sound construction.
What truly sets him apart is the marriage of British urban grit with high-concept art-school sensibilities. While many of his peers lean into the aggression of grime or the boom-bap of traditional hip-hop, DELS occupies a middle space that is more contemplative and textural. His voice is a calm center within shifting electronic landscapes, delivering lyrics that feel like a series of vivid, surreal snapshots.
Start with his debut album 'Gob' to hear the definitive collaboration with Hot Chip's Joe Goddard. It perfectly captures his ability to turn glitchy, experimental electronic music into something catchy and deeply human. From there, move to 'Petals Have Fallen' for a more mature, atmospheric exploration of his sound.
Kieren Gallear also known as DELS, is an English art director, recording artist, rapper, graphics designer, and filmmaker who signed with the Ninja Tune imprint Big Dada in May 2010.
Shares abstract hip-hop, electronica (subgenres); mysterious, restless, brooding (moods)
Shares abstract hip-hop, electronica (subgenres); contemplative, wistful, restless (moods)
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Shares minimalist, digital clarity, noise textured (production style); abstract hip-hop, electronica (subgenres)
Shares abstract hip-hop, electronica (subgenres); urban night, rainy day, fog (atmosphere)
Shares abstract hip-hop, electronica (subgenres); brooding, contemplative, restless (moods)
Shares contemplative, brooding, wistful (moods); urban night, rainy day, fog (atmosphere)
Shares mysterious, contemplative, wistful (moods); deadpan, spoken word, rap (vocal style)
Shares contemplative, mysterious, wistful (moods); deadpan, spoken word, rap (vocal style)
Shares mysterious, contemplative, brooding (moods); abstract hip-hop, electronica (subgenres)
Shares electronica, abstract hip-hop, spoken word, electronics/laptop (subgenre)
Shares deadpan, electronica, abstract hip-hop, electronics/laptop (signature)
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