If there is a lyrical theme in Delta Sprit’s new sophomore record it’s probably the idea of loss -- and the strength and endurance we discover as subjects in the great experiments of love and life. That’s not to say that History from Below is a somber and brooding album, quite the opposite. The band tackles these heartfelt musings with a sense of optimism that is punctuated by catchy almost urgent melodies on many tracks and their immediately accessible roots-rock guitar.
Similar to artists like Mumford & Sons, Dr. Dog, the Jayhawks and The Whigs, Delta Spirit stay faithful to a foundation of roots-rock influences while incorporating a modern, indie-rock sound that keeps the music feeling fresh and contemporary. And it’s an album that grows on you in the best of ways.
When lead singer Matt Vazquez sings on “Bushwick Blues,” “My love is strong, but my heart is weak,” you can’t help but feel his vulnerability and identify with his feeling of tentative conviction. While tracks like “Vivian” and “White Table” lay bear all the truths and dents we accumulate over time with a wisdom that says don’t worry, that’s exactly the way it’s supposed to be. With a mix of stark and gorgeous harmonica, finger picking guitar, and multi-instrumentalism, History from Below provides a gentle nudge into music reinvention while feeling comfortably familiar so you can sit back and take it all in.
Official artist website: http://www.deltaspirit.net
History from Below will be available on-demand May 24 - June 22, 2010
Track listing:
1. 911
2. Bushwick Blues
3. Salt In The Wound
4. White Table
5. Ransom Man
6. Devil Knows Your Dead
7. Golden State
8. Scarecrow
9. Vivian
10. St. Francis
11. Ballad Of Vitaly