Friday night at Pop’s (www.popsrocks.com) I met up with Carbondale, Illinois band Delta. It was yet another night of what they refer to as their “never-ending tour”, but they were not complacent. Followed by a small but vocal fan base, many of
whom seemed to have followed them Carbondale to see the show, these four guys are working hard for their place in the spotlight.
Ty (vocals), Chris (lead guitar), Matt (bass) and Jade (drums) spoke with me after the show about their influences, their
music and their album. They have been playing together for two years, with Matt as the newest addition. Matt told me
that when he joined the band he had to learn a repertoire of 40 songs in a matter of weeks just to be up and running with the band. According to Chris they have intense practice sessions, and work constantly. As self-proclaimed “weekend rock warriors” the band has been performing constantly since August 2008, touring the Mid-west from Wisconsin to Kentucky, often playing shows here in St. Louis, once to twice per month. One of their recent highlights was playing at Pointfest.
When questioned about their eclectic sound, Jade said listeners should be ready for something different. Between Matt’s
heavy metal influence, Jade’s classic rock influence, Chris more into classic & alt rock, coupled with Ty’s blues and classic rock background, things could get messy, but the guys blend their influences well without seeming to be pulled into too many different directions. As a first time listener, I was immediately struck by how tight the band was, each player adept with their parts and everyone working together to make a cohesive sound; not always a quality found in the average garage band. The long practice hours are paying off.
As a travelling band, still working up their fan base, the guys throw in a lot of covers between original songs as a way to familiarize themselves with audiences, but Ty made a point of clarifying they are not a cover band, with one album under their belt and looking forward to getting back into the studio in the next year to cut a new album.
Of their original songs, “Rebel (From the Waist Down)” was a crowd favorite. However, I was most impressed with “Roadhouse”. It is a good example of the whole being a sum of well-played parts. Bluesy vocals, strong bass line, talented lead guitar and
tight drum beat all combine for a great tune.
One minute they remind me of Led Zeppelin, the next Soundgarden, followed by some Blues Traveler, The Doors, and AC/DC .
With so many different sounds to offer all in one band, you are sure to find something to like about Delta.
To hear Delta for yourself or find an upcoming show in your area, check them out at: myspace.com/deltachangeinmusic
*jenean claus
www.digestibletrax.blogspot.com
