Delta Spirit has joined the ranks of Interpol and Bon Iver, among others, in self-titling an album that isn’t their first. Their newest LP (out now on Rounder Records/CMG) is actually their third. Despite the naming of the album, Delta Spirit’s attempted change in direction musically hasn’t strayed too far from who they already are. It can be seen as a natural progression. Certain things have changed for them but for the most part they have been able to maintain their sound on the new record. The band continues to produce attention-grabbing rock with a soulful twist.
I’m just going to come out and say it: “California” is a sad song. Creating a somber setting from the start, lead singer Matthew Vasquez thrusts the listener into a feeling of longing, regret, and love lost. The track fills your heart and haunts your mind with an intense feeling of demise. Repetitive guitar riffs attempt to fill the void and drive the song and spurned admirer towards the future. The song is extremely relatable as we have all been there. The song tells a tale as old as time, trying to be the better person and saying you are over a situation that you clearly aren’t. Delta Spirit has captured the feeling of rejection as well as could be anticipated.