With their soulful rock and raw early-Stones spirit, SoCal quintet Delta Spirit evokes a vibe and style that recalls classic indie rebels like the Waterboys, Hothouse Flowers and the Stone Roses.
Delta Spirit rose from the ashes of San Diego-based Noise Ratchet, who were signed to Rick Rubin’s American label. Bassist Jon Jameson and drummer Brandon Young decided they wanted to create something more warm and rhythmic than the punk-influenced emo outfit, so they left Rubin and partnered with guitarist Sean Walker. Vocalist Matt Vasquez met Young in the middle of the night at a train station, where the former was singing on a bench at the top of his lungs. Multi-instrumentalist Kelly Winrich, originally Delta Spirit’s producer, also joined the fold.
The band released the I Think I've Found It EP in 2006 and immediately went out on the road with the likes of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Cold War Kids and Dr. Dog. They self-produced their first full-length effort, Ode to Sunshine, in 2007, and it’s since been embraced for its captivating sense of honesty; its crisp rhythmic tightness and propulsion are surely a result of more than a year of non-stop touring.
The exuberant photo on the cover of Ode to Sunshine is Winrich’s uncle, raising a class of wine and toasting life. They all agreed it perfectly captures their goodwill toward each other, and their passion for their music. (The album was re-mastered and re-released by Rounder in 2008.)
Provenance: San Diego, California
Latest Release: Ode to Sunshine (2007)
© 2008 Nigel Music Media LLC. Used by permission.
Delta Spirit
