Quite how Delays haven’t yet managed to entrench themselves at the top of the charts is something of a mystery. Their chiming guitars echoing the The La’s classic guitar pop has earned the South Coast band critical acclaim.

Perhaps the tide is finally turning in their favour as their efforts look set to pay off with their ambitious sounding third album, Everything’s the Rush.

It’s a confident sounding set of tracks displaying an added maturity to their songwriting and they’re justifyably expecting big things from it.

"We haven’t had the exposure that some bands may have had so we want the new album to be massive and for everyone to hear our music," explains Delays keyboard player and founding member Aaron Gilbert on why they decided to part company with their former record label Rough Trade and sign up with one of the big boys, Polydor.

"We’re over the moon with the new songs, they are everything we wanted them to be. Where we recorded there were views of the Sierra Nevada mountain in Spain which really helped with creating music that sounded really big. It’s upbeat but there are some dark edges to the lyrics which I like," he explained of their sun-soaked experiences putting together the latest batch of songs.

There’s an understandable confidence in their ranks after taking on a successful UK tour that was only halted on the final date with singer Greg‘s falling ill with laryngitis forcing them to take a short break.

As their keyboard ace explains, there’s rarely been any let-up for them and have built a reputation for their live shows across Europe.

To date their biggest hits It’s Been a Long Time Coming and Valentine (which had received plenty of airplay which has boosted their cause. So to has touring with the likes of The Manic Street Preachers and Franz Ferdinand which has further honed their skills.

They’re set for their Kent debut with a performance at this year’s Zoo Thousand Festival at Port Lypmne which boasts an eclectic mix of dance and Indie music.

"Being out on the road with your best mates is like one long road trip. I like the thought of us being a travelling band taking our wares to town.

"We get on great as a group but me and Greg will argue like any brothers and say the most disgusting things to each other and five minutes later be buying each other a pint!"

It’s been a long if increasingly rewarding journey for them so far which began with a name change from Corky, which Aaron gamely admits was truly awful.

His own musical inspiration sprung from messing around with keyboards after listening to alternative dance producer Aphex Twin and indie godfathers the Stone Roses.

From their early formation as teenagers at the Gilbert’s Southampton household, Delays have made gradual evolutions with their career.

But escaping close associations with those who’ve had an impact on their sound is something they have had to weather as with many other emerging bands.

"I don’t actually know what we sound like to be honest. Yes we’ve been influenced by The La’s, but I think I’m just as influenced by trees," quipped the 27-year-old in self-deprecating style.

Outside of music, Aaron is the kind of person who throws himself into studying many different subjects and is ever-inquisitive. He has developed a highly unlikely rock ‘n’ roll hobby studying time and watches.

"That all started when I found a watch at an airport and then lost one in the sea. It made me realise we are not bound by time."

There have been numerous memorable gigs around the world for them so far. But one of his personal favourites came in Mexico, where they have a particularly strong, if unexpected following.

That gig was amazing , it was in an old bull fighting arena- I thought they were going to release a beast for the gig but that didn't happen.

I love the fact the Kent gig is at the zoo- I am fascinated by them, and most things in fact. Our music is made for that kind of outdoor stage. I love being in big fields lapping up the sun, so can’t wait for it."

It would only be fitting that the heavens be kind for such a good vibe band who put every ounce of their energy into their performances.

- Delays play the kmfm sponsored Zoo Thousand Festival at Port Lympne on Friday, July 4 alongside Mark Ronson. Tickets are £45 for a day and £99 for the weekend.

~ Full festival details >>>