Its always a little like traveling back in time whenever I step into the Tractor Tavern in Seattle. This night was no exception. Hacienda, straight out of San Antonio, Texas, kicked off the evening's sold out show. Their sound was sweet and harmonious, reminiscent of early rock n roll, and their cover of Sonny and Cher's "Baby Don't Go" brought huge cheers. They did a fine job of keeping the crowd warm, and the buzz of audience conversation low, which made for a successful opening set.
But then along came Delta Spirit. Their music is hard hitting and raw, folky and emotional. Its chock-full of lively piano and guitar playing, appearances by the tambourine, and a lead singer, Matthew Vasquez, that stares straight into your soul. I was mesmerized by Vasquez from the very beginning of their set, not just by his good looks (but, oh my GAWD, all five boys were quite fetching) but by his intensity and his slightly rough and nasally vocal style that reminded me of folk artists of the '60s.
Delta Spirit's entire sound is very nostalgic, a little Creedence Clearwater meets Dylan meets The Rolling Stones. Their lyrics are heavy on social issues, bettering oneself, and the everyday trials of life. "Trashcan" and "Children" had everyone bouncing around while others were violently convulsing to the rollicking tunes. Often, I felt that this band should've been playing at Max Yasgur's dairy farm at Woodstock, with hippies wildly swinging their arms around, instead of at the sleepy Tractor Tavern. But as the tempo slowed down for "House Built for Two" and "Bleeding Bells", the intensity level of the performers actually seemed to grow.
So watch out people, here comes Delta Spirit; their music made me want to march out of the tavern and start a revolution. What kind of revolution you ask? Well not sure yet, but when I do have one I plan to have Delta Spirit blaring in the background. I encourage, or rather, plead with you to check out their Ode to Spirit album.
