California’s alt-indie golden boys, Delta Spirit, has returned to the music scene careening in with new singles, “How Bout It” and “It Ain’t Easy”. Six years have passed since the group dropped their last album and fans are eagerly awaiting the release of forthcoming LP What Is There due out September 11th.
The two latest tracks serve as samples of the layered, edgy, and wild music Delta Spirit has been cooking up. “How Bout It” was released with an accompanying music video consisting of footage from 30 different isolated locations during the pandemic. Its lyrics meander through a dark story of murder, gambling, and addiction. The tune opens with a twanging guitar and soulful vocals from Matthew Vasquez. With a heavy timbre that is comparable to a Bob Dylan from the dark side, Vasquez and bandmates showcase their masterful handle of dynamics. The less-is-more mindset on the verses provide room for the macabre mood set in during the choruses. From moaning guitar lines to ghostly harmonies, the tune succeeds in holding intrigue for its full six minute run time.
“It Ain’t Easy” is a discombobulating concoction of rhythmic motifs, hard to swallow lyrics, and a head nodding backline. The tune begins with piano which is quickly followed up with acoustic guitar, 8-bit-esque drums and vocals. Nothing enters when the ear expects it as the band toys with instruments appearing an disappearing like a kid throwing around legos. The chorus is begging to be sung along to as Vasquez repeats the refrain, “for the longest time / I would try to get in line / but it ain’t easy / and I found it hard to be myself / without your help / it ain’t easy”.
Although Delta Spirit, a group who built up much of their fan base through live performances, has had to postpone their reunion tour due to COVID-19, they are quick to reassure audiences they will be back soon. If these two releases tell listeners anything it is that the band has taken their time apart to hone their craft and deliver an album that is sure to be one for the ages. The tour dates rescheduled to March arer sure to be some of the most raucous shows of 2021.
Stream How Bout It and It Ain’t Easy below via Spotify! To purchase the songs, click HERE.
Delta Spirit’s full LP What Is There will be released on September 11th via New West Records. To pre-order, click HERE.
Have you listened to Delta Spirit’s newest releases? If so, let us know what you think below in the comment section. To keep up with the band follow them across your favorite social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
