Delta Spirit

Originated in southern California and having made its last two discs in Brooklyn, Delta Spirit now calls Austin home. Bandleader Matt Vasquez grew up in Central Texas so it's not a random move. His group, however, has morphed into something totally unexpected. Into the Wide, the quintet's fourth LP, transforms Delta Spirit from something sunny and colored by Americana into a brooding, gloomy attack monster. Drums and percussion continue to play important parts in the band's sound, yet this time guitars and keyboards roar and float, creating soundscapes that pin your ears back, especially on "From Now On" and "Hold My End Up." Ending with the quiet political rage of "War Machine" and "The Wreck," an introspective piano ballad about a lover's never-ending faith, keeps Into the Wide earthbound and proves Delta Spirit to be a band of significant depth.