Delta Spirit

Anybody who happened upon Delta Spirit's 2008 debut, Ode To Sunshine, couldn't help but be impressed by the sincerity and soulfulness that leader Marr Vasquez brought to each and every song. They sounded like an incredibly talented bunch of buskers who had been taken into a studio before the industry sapped all their energy and exuberance, and it made for a great record. History From Below isn't a huge departure from their last album, but it is the better for it. Their straightforward approach to their music, giving Vasquez's vocals the top billing they deserve, has worked so well for them in the past that there's no need to change. The songs have a bit more to say this time around, with a nod to traditional folk music. And when it comes down to it, that's what Delta Spirit are doing: continuing in the grand tradition that label Rounder has documented so well. The other thing that the band have succeeded in doing this time is dialling down the sunniness, when required. There are definitely emotional highs and lows, making History From Below a more satisfying record than its predecessor.