Southampton's hottest indie foursome, Delays launched their debut album in style with a midnight gig in central Southampton.

Most fans have had to wait until Monday morning to get hold of the long awaited debut album, Faded Seaside Glamour, but 150 had tickets for a special launch party at Virgin Megastore in Southampton city centre on Sunday night.

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Greg

Before the midnight hour when the album was officially on the shelves, the band played a set of current tracks and to prove that they aren't just a one-album band, they dropped in some new, "not quite finished" material.

It's been an incredible 12 months for the four lads who got together when they were at Bitterne Park School in Southampton and signed to Rough Trade in 2003.

Ahead of the album launch, Aaron told BBC Southampton: "It's exciting, I feel numb - we're all buzzing. We had to do it here [in Southampton] - this is where we made it - so to launch it here will be fantastic."

Signing the first copy of Faded Seaside Glamour to be sold

"We're not going to be precious about it, we've started recording our second album already but we're really really happy with what we've done. So now we'll give it to the people and get loved or hated - it's cool!"

Read the full interview with Aaron and Rowly.

The band spent most of last year on the road supporting the likes of Tim Burgess, The Coral & The Thrills, winning a lot of friends in the music media in the process.

But they haven't lost touch with their Southampton roots and their recent home town appearances at The Joiners were some of the hottest tickets in town.

Their unique pop style, blending jangly indie guitars with hard edged keyboards and Greg's rasping falcetto vocals has won them rave reviews.

What did the fans think?

Former Radio One DJs Mark and Lard were also amongst the band's biggest fans and their championing of the Hey Girl single was a major boost to the boys' fortunes.

The launch of Faded Seaside Glamour was a proud moment for Greg and Aaron's dad, Mike who has been managing the band: "It's a really exciting time for all of us and the anticipation of what's to be for the next week. I'm just blown away by all the people here tonight. Things have really gone ballistic over the last three months and hopefully that'll continue."

If you missed them this time, Delays will be back in Southampton in May as part of their UK tour.

Read our review of Delays' Joiners gig in November 2003.

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