Delta Spirit - "Ode to Sunshine" (Rounder)

Delta Spirit's Ode To Sunshine has more in common with like rock traditionalists such as The Hold Steady than your typical "we-heard-it-first-'cause-we're-cool" shooting star band that the almighty music blogosphere seems to love then leave with alarming frequency these days. There's something timeless and soulful happening here, something with some staying power.

The San Diego quintet has a lot of things going for them, not the least of which is a passionate, soulful naiveté that emerges from almost every song. Singer Matthew Vasquez sounds like he means it, and their music seems to strive for a place where innovation and a sense of historical homage can co-exist. From the keyboard driven first single "Trashcan" to the Brit-popish "People C'mon" to the anxious, driving "Children", Delta Spirit will surprise you with their – well – spirit. The album's opening track "Tomorrow Goes Away" sounds like an outtake from the McCartney album. The title track is a loose, soulful waltz that shows the band's obvious talent for building drama, with a timeless melodic payoff. "Parade" is just a great track, with a slightly off kilter guitar run that's guaranteed to make you smile.

Yeah... I like this quite a bit. Delta Spirit is a band that sounds like they could take us with them on a long journey, not just a dizzying ascent and drop.

Written by Dan Reed