Peteetong, boys and girls!

Last Friday, I went to the Masquerade to see one of my favorite under-the-radar bands, Delta Spirit.

The guys from Delta Spirit hail from sunny San Diego, California.  They play pure American rock and roll incorporating unconventional instruments like trash can lids and French horns.  Vocalist Matthew Vasquez belts out soulful song-stories with catchy, sing-along choruses.  Their style is at once reminiscent of the classic folk rock of the early 60’s and of a truly original, new sound.  Delta Spirit is sure to be one of the great American rock bands of the next decade.

Friday was Vasquez’s birthday, and it was obvious there was a lot of celebrating going on before the show.  Despite being the kind of drunk you only get on your birthday, Vasquez delivered his lyrics clearly and with great showmanship. 

After performing “Children”, one of my favorite Delta Spirit tracks, Vasquez gave the audience a special birthday show treat.  He played Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” by himself while the band took a short break for drinks and smokes.  Afterward, the band led the crowd in singing Happy Birthday to Vasquez, who happily took a birthday shot before launching back into the set.  The band finished strong with “Bushwick Blues”, my favorite track from their new album, History From Below.

One of the best parts about Delta Spirit is how humble and gracious the entire band is with their fans.  All the guys hung out after the show and talked with the crowd, posing for pictures and signing CDs well after last call. 

History From Below is available now on iTunes.  The new album is full of what made me like this band in the first place – great storytelling, and an intimacy that is rarely captured on record.  Delta Spirit usually makes two stops a year in Atlanta, so make sure you get out to see them when they come back later this year. 

See you there!

-Intern Jerry

Check out Delta Spirit at www.myspace.com/deltaspirit or download their new album, History From Below on iTunes.