Delta Spirit – What Is There

Of all of the unexpected things to occur in 2020, one of the most surprising is the return of American rockers Delta Spirit. After six years, What Is There is set to be released on September 11^th, bringing something optimistic into this pessimistic year. Well, what is there is a lot of minor chords, so, perhaps, it can be a year to be sad together and at least listen to some emotive music.

The Pressure begins with dissonant noise before morphing into something intelligible with a great message and catchy beat. The song hooks onto you, almost as much as “the pressure” described. It ends abruptly and quickly transitions into the piano chords of It Ain’t Easy. By contrast, this is a softer tune that uses the high end of Matthew Vasquez’s vocal range and the drums seem to be quietened by the pianos and guitar. Despite the change in pace, the chorus is still repetitive and karaoke worthy.

Harmonies lead listeners gently into How Bout It. This song sounds more country than anything else, with crooning, almost wailing, vocals and only a few chords strummed. The genre fits perfectly into the tale of gambling addiction. Can You Ever Forgive Me? is a standard love song, equipped with acoustic guitars and all. But the electric guitar solo emotes much more than the vocals.

Tracks like Better Now and Home Again blend into each other despite their lyrics mocking superficial qualities. Lover’s Heart begins slow yet strong, culminating in an epic ballad. It builds from faint drums, a soft voice and an equally soft piano to an array of synchronised voices, cymbals and hard guitars. Its layers make it a highlight, especially when they’re peeled back again, revealing only a voice and strings.

Just The Same, another slow melody of love, which is, in fact, just the same as many other love songs. The titular What Is There closes the album in style with the strumming of an acoustic guitar and raw vocals.  

Although this is a good record, it is not the best; it’s a generic rock album with generic rock songs. Nothing really stands out – it fades away once listening is complete. You could say it is the most highly rated background music.

Regan Harle

What Is There is released on 11^th September 2020. For further information or to order the album visit Delta Spirit’s website here.

Watch the video for The Pressure here: