Band’s latest lives up to its strong debut

Like most newly formed bands attempting to secure a place in the contemporary music industry, Delta Spirit sought to re-establish itself as a band and build on its initial success with the release of a purposeful sophomore record. The band’s first album, 2008’s Ode to Sunshine, was hailed as a success by fans and critics, and the band was singled out for its unique, multi-instrumental style.

The follow-up result, History from Below, definitely proves that Delta Spirit will be a talented, lasting force in the indie music scene, not a forgotten buzz band like so many of its peers.

“911,” the album’s opening track, begins with upbeat, crisp acoustic guitar strumming right before diving straight into an equally energetic drum beat and alternative country guitar riff. Lead vocalist Matthew Vasquez passionately sings Say good morning to my friends / Oh my lord, 6 a.m. As the song serves primarily to kick start a lively, emotional album, the lyrics are fitting.

Although the rest of the song’s lyrics are not quite peppy or optimistic, the music remains vibrant, demonstrating the band’s consistent ability to craft upbeat, joyous indie pop grounded by meaningful, emotion-driven lyrics.

History from Below’s impressive first single, “Bushwick Blues,” builds on the momentum of its opener, resulting in a song similar to Ode To Sunshine’s popular songs “Trashcan” and “People C’mon.” The song was a clear choice for the first single; it showcases the band’s vibrant energy while playing its unique brand of indie rock.

The album’s momentum stops suddenly on the third track. The slow but soulful “Salt In The Wound” recalls folk singers from the 1960s and ’70s, and although the music isn’t quite as fast or lively as the first two songs, the band’s energy and talent is definitely demonstrated.

The song begins modestly enough: An acoustic guitar dominates the deceptively simple folk song at first, but eventually the sound builds to include crashing cymbals, pounding drums, steady piano and soaring backing vocals.

Songs like “Ransom Man” and “Ballad of Vitaly” are also reminiscent of early, simple folk songs with a modern, livelier twist. The latter is the album’s closing track, an eight-minute, slow-building song that suddenly decays into a chorus of disconnected synths and organs with heavy reverb to close the album.

Delta Spirit is from Southern California, but the band’s music makes it sound like its members could easily be from the deep South. Vasquez has a slight twang in his voice, comparable to singers in alternative country and folk bands such as the Avett Brothers. The guitars and drums have a similarly country-like feel, with the addition of a modern indie rock influence. An indescribable blend of rock, folk, indie, alternative country and other genres is a common motif throughout much of History from Below.

In fact, without a song like “Golden State” or some quick Internet research to tip you off, it would be difficult to peg the band as Southern Californian, if only because of its heavy country and folk influences. In the song, Vasquez sings The Golden State has been my home / But I place my stake / To roam and to rake. With “Golden State” the band forsakes typical Californian sounds in favor of the folk roots and country vibes of Middle America.

History from Below does its job to secure Delta Spirit a firm spot in the collective consciousness of indie rock fans by demonstrating that the band’s debut was, in fact, the product of truly talented artists capable of evolving and creating enjoyable music. The energy of their first album is present on the sophomore release, and even shines through on the slow-paced folk songs.

Its soulful, twangy feel might initially make it hard to identify where the band is from, but there’s no question that Delta Spirit will be around for a while.