If any band knows how to emerge into the music scene with a firecracker of an album, it's Delta Spirit. Their debut album, Ode To Sunshine, left its mark on the music scene with the clever use of trashcan lids, a piano, tambourines and pure rock-and-roll.
Now with the release of their second full-length, History From Below on Rounder Records, the band seems to be nipping the heels of an even bigger success than before.
Holding true to their blues-infused rock, the boys open the album with a catchy tune titled "911", a sing-a-long southern anthem for those who enjoy a giving 'the man' a swift kick in the teeth. Other times, the listener finds themselves amidst cleverly written lyrics and stories with songs like "Bushwick Blues" and "Vivian" - two songs that present personal tales of lost loves. Although the latter is undoubtedly more heart-breaking - it was written about lead singer Matt Vasquez's own grandmother - the former is one we can relate so easily to our own heartbreak and reminders of 'the one who got away'.
With pounding drum parts on "St. Francis" reminding us why we fell in love with Delta Spirit in the first place, slower songs such as "Ransom Man" and "Scarecrow" prove that the band is improving in all the right ways.
One thing that can be said for this album is that the cohesive blending on the album is something worth mentioning. Still, each track carries itself with a strong personality, ensuring an experience within each song without ever becoming boring or forced.
Perhaps growing up doesn't always have to slow us down. With an album that truly delivers both fun songs to dance to, and songs to croon to, it is clear that the boys have found a way to skip past a sophomore slump. The healthy, stable maturity of the band proves that History From Below is undoubtedly a grand slam from start to finish.
Vasquez is currently finishing up a North American tour with band mates Jon Jameson, Kelly Winrich and Brandon Young (check their personal blog for more details). The band will also tour parts of Europe this September.
No comments:
Post a Comment