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They say a picture speaks a thousand words and if this latest press photo of Delirious? is anything to go by then the band have got a lot to say. This fabulous promotional photo was taken in the Ballroom at the magnificant Goodwood House, in Chichester, West Sussex. The house dates back to the late 18th century and features some stunning architecture and historical paintings. No wonder the band chose it as the location for a photo shoot back in March. They flew a photographer by the name of Jimmy Abegg over to the UK especially for the shoot. The band are pictured in their matching pin-striped suits (as seen at recent concerts) in front of a huge oil painting of Charles I and his family, painted by Sir Anthony van Dyck in 1632.

Particular note should be made of Stew's slightly unorthodox footwear and Martin having a sneaky cup of tea. For me this photo just works so well. The dark colour of the suits contrasts perfectly with the beautiful and regal red and gold backdrop. Enough of the background is visible to draw attention to the stunning location, but not so much of it that it detracts from the band themselves. As you would expect of a band who have been doing the business for a decade, they are experts in the art of taking up a suitable pose for a photograph. I've witnessed this skill first hand. At the gig in Ipswich earlier this year I was the only person to hand with a camera as the band walked along the stadium tunnel. They asked me to take a photo for them, and as soon as I pointed the camera in their general direction they instantly arranged themselves in a perfect posture, lined up neatly, but with slightly differing stances or angles to the camera. It amazed me at the time, but it makes sense that after dozens of photo shoots they know exactly how to stand for a good photo.

And so in the ballroom shot they are arranged in a well balanced way that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Tim and Martin are seated, but leaning into the middle. Stew is stood upright in the foreground, whilst Stu lingers with hunched shoulders in the background. Jon stands with hands behind his back on one side of the shot, but at a slight angle pointed back in towards the rest of the band. Each stance is perfectly arranged to balance the photo and keep the attention on the group as a whole. All of this effort usually goes unnoticed, but when you really analyse a photo you can appreciate exactly how much planning and attention to detail went into it.