Saturday, 21 March 2009

Review - Delta Spirit - Ode To Sunshine

Delta Spirit - Ode To Sunshine

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8 out of 10

With the lustrous appeal of a match struck in darkness and a sound so baked it could've been unearthed in the middle of a desert, this debut from Delta Spirit offers a light to hold on to during gloomier times.

In what appears to be a holiday photo from the 70s, Ode To Sunshine's album cover has a semi-naked moustachioed man, relaxing on a boat with drink-in-hand and the ocean behind him. This image seems a contrast to the melancholic undertones and reflections to the weighty content narrated in the stories sung by the California five-piece's singer, Matt Vasquez. Though there's no denying that lyrical messages aside on face value the rich melodic layers of this album's sound soaks you in rays which warm you much like the nostalgia of holiday memories would during colder times.

While their stripped-back rock draws similarities with Cold War Kids, occasionally Matt's voice resembles that of Stereophonics' front-man Kelly Jones', strange considering Wales is nearly half the world away from where Delta Spirit's sound takes root. There's also a distinctly earthy presence to the band's songs that evokes the sound of the 60s, most noticeable on Streetwalker.

With clinking glasses, pub pianos (House Built For Two), mouth organs and the alleged banging of dustbin lids, it's surprising that Ode To Sunshine flows seamlessly, growing more potent as it draws to it's end with it's wistful title track. There's no sun-worshipping on Ode To Sunshine, just a nod to better times.

Listen: www.myspace.com/deltaspirit

Tracklist:
1. Tomorrow Goes Away
2. Trashcan
3. People C'mon
4. House Built for Two
5. Strange Vine
6. Streetwalker
7. People Turn Around
8. Parade
9. Bleeding Bells
10. Children
11. Ode To Sunshine

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