Delta Spirit: Delta Spirit

Delta Spirit
Delta Spirit
Rounder Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Delta Spirit find their niche on third long player.

Album Review:
This self-titled release is the third record from San Diego's Delta Spirit that once again finds them refining their craft and progressing towards their ideal sound. This is the bands reason for self-titling the record but fans will immediately get it upon hearing first track "Empty House".

The track has a repetitive fast pace chord ascension that sets the stage for the record and lets singer Matt Vasquez be the focus as his soaring vocals take over until the last 50 seconds of the song let all the instruments lose to form a energetic wall of sound. This sonic enhancement with the use of more electric guitar and synthesizers carries throughout the album's 43 minutes.

This filled out sound works for Delta Spirit as they have the right energy level and lyrical creativeness to match the solid musicianship. What is most a relief to hear here is that the band has not lost their fun side either as "Tellin' The Mind" opens up with a tribal holler which repeats through the entire song that at first is surprising but upon repeat listens turns into one of my favorite tracks on the record. "Money Saves" is a sprawling rocker that peaks at the right moments as Vasquez's vocals and instruments hit their highs simultaneously.

Delta Spirit have added another strong record to their collection which challenges their previous outings as being their best. This record breathes confidence as the more complete sound feels like the band's sweet spot. Delta Spirit is an album that may not initially capture your ear but if you give a chance it is a record that sinks in and reveals itself in pieces. It will be interesting if this new direction will be able to win over their early fan base which was more attracted to the folk side of things but I think if they give it a chance Delta Spirit is strong enough to convert even the biggest sceptic.

Key Tracks: "California", "Money Saves", "Tellin' The Mind"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Dawes
Vampire Weekend
Limbeck

Delta Spirit: History From Below [Fire Note Review 6/15/10]
Delta Spirit: Ode To Sunshine [Fire Note Review 8/22/08]

Delta Spirit Website
Delta Spirit Facebook
Rounder Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony