Delilah Bon – Feminist Rage Queen.
Yorkshire’s very own Delilah Bon has released her second album today titled, ‘Evil, Hate Filled Female’. And if that title doesn’t make a statement, then the world has totally fallen asleep to the daily onslaught of abuse that Women undergo. Pulled right from a comment in which Delilah received on one of her posts on X (Twitter), She’s using the words of her abusers to fuel her passion for her art.
‘Evil Hate Filled Female’ has received mixed reviews and Delilah herself has been receiving mixed reviews online too. But its understandable in times like these. We are constantly surrounded by the control of the music industry and the control of standards of how one should present themselves in the public eye. Those of us who speak out will always have push back in times when our words go against the grain and shatter the vail of a “perfect society”.
With Delilah, we see yet another female point of view on life, speaking out about the hate and mistreatment in our society today. Whether you are captured by the music she creates or not, behind the character of a ‘Brat’ or ‘Plastic’ Punk artist, there is a female screaming at the top her lungs, and creating art with an attempt to transcend the invisible line of societal norms in order to re-set our approach and view towards the gendered/non gender gap.
Feminism should not be a word we use to push individuals further down on the pedestal, it should be raising them upwards for all to see and admire.
How does Delilah Bon explain her music and live shows ? Feral as fuck, Cathartic, Empowering, Girl dominated mosh pits, Sassy AF choreography, Gay Panic, Wholesome as fuck, Girl Power. But is the music any good?
The moment I put this album on, I got a major whiff of ZEF Style off of it. And this was before I had seen Delilah herself or any of her music videos. ZEF being the South African style in which Die Antwoord have brought to the masses. With the Hip Hop influences and bold black graffiti style artwork in which can be seen in music videos such as ‘I am the best (just ask your Momma) , and even sometimes found in the alien-esque clothing style and ‘no fucks given’ attitude such as Yolandi’s. I’m wondering if this is a new take on ZEF Style? The English version. Is it as good though?
It’s also hard to avoid the lingering essence of Slim Shady that keeps popping up throughout this album too. But lets not linger on that point long enough for me to start speaking about a British artist rapping in an American accent lol. I may even say that the younger fans of the artist Pink! may have a certain interest in the work of Bon.
It is clear that Delilah has a place in society, and her fans are undoubtable loyal to her and right they should be. With her attempt to bring power to Woman, Non-binary and the LGBTQ+ community, you too would stand behind such artists if these topics affected you on a daily basis.
But perhaps if she wants to reach fans further a field, she may need to drop the Disney kids character and start putting a new twist on her approach to music and on the character she wants to portray. Everything she stands for is nothing but positivity and a scream for a societal change, but the important and heavy topics she speaks about, are sitting on some unsteady foundations.
Delilah Bon Live:
OCTOBER
Thu 31 CARDIFF Clwb Ifor Bach
NOVEMBER
Fri 01 SOUTHAMPTON Joiners
Sat 02 BRIGHTON Komedia Studio (Sold Out)
Sun 03 NORWICH Waterfront Studio
Thu 07 BIRMINGHAM Hare & Hounds
Fri 08 BRISTOL Exchange (Sold Out)
Sat 09 LONDON Underworld
Thu 14 MANCHESTER Deaf Institute (Sold Out)
Fri 15 LEEDS Key Club (Sold Out)
Sat 16 GLASGOW G2 (Sold Out)
Tickets: https://www.delilahbon.co.uk/tour
Album is available now on the Delilah’s own label here
I’m giving this one 3 out of 10.
Reviewer Carl Foran – @carlforanphotography