When you go to see a concert not knowing much about the band, one of two things could happen. A) You could find the show distant and uninteresting, or B) You could jump right into the energy and discover a new band worthy of obsessing over.
For me, the California 5-piece Delta Spirit, who played Tuesday March 27th to a sold-out crowd at the Paradise, was able to slap the excitement right into me and get my feet movin’ and groovin’ from the first song. Delta Spirit combines a mixture of Americana and rock music that begs listeners to stomp there feet in agreement to what they’re hearing. Singer/guitarist Matt Vasquez performed with such raw emotion it was hard not to hang on to every note or word he bellowed into the audience. At times he looked like a madman shouting and smiling into the mic and looking deep into individual faces in the crowd. The more he danced across the stage, raised his fists, and fixed his baseball cap, the more we responded. He repeatedly had us clap along to songs as if to make sure every last audience member was participating and having a good time. Multi-instrumentalist Kelly Winrich kept the songs fresh and full of life, switching back and forth between his keyboard and a second drum set, while Will Mclaren concentrated intensely as he performed the bands most intricate guitar parts.
Vasquez kept the energy high between songs by keeping a connection with the audience. “This is a dance number,” he warned, “like every fucking song we write.” It was comments like those that got the tipsy audience to cheer and raise their beers in celebration. Each member of the band (especially bassist Jon Jameson) smiled constantly and made the audience feel like they were truly grateful to be playing that night. Vasquez constantly thanked the audience for coming as he took full advantage of his being-in-the-band-gets-you-free-drinks perk. Despite the liveliness of the show, there were some serious moments in the set. Vasquez dedicated the new song “Yamaha,” a mesmerizing ballad and departure from most of their other high-energy tracks, to his wife, stating “I miss her like hell. She’s only four hours away and it’s a total mindfuck.”
Delta Spirit is a band known for their live performances. When I went home after the show and listened to some of their songs on YouTube, I couldn’t help but notice how much better they were live. This was a show I know I’ll remember and I can’t wait for the next time they come around so I can sing along with the rest of the audience.
By: Pat Malave