Nashville-based quintet The Delta Saints have channeled that quintessential Southern rock sound. Their first full-length album, Death Letter Jubilee was not a disappointment to listen to. Prior to the release, they turned out two EPs, Pray On (2009) and A Bird Called Angola (2010). Immediately, I was drawn to Ben Ringel’s vocals that are distinct and raw, and at times reaches to that howling blues sound. The vocals were highlighted on “Chicago” where Ringel’s voice was flawless and electrifying. Guitarist Dylan Fitch and bassist David Supica are a match made in heaven on some great heavy riffs in “Boogie” and “Death Letter Jubilee.” The release moved effortlessly and was not repetitive. As a listener, you’re introduced to new flares along the way, making each song unique in its own regard.
The quintet pulled styles from rock, blues, and country, creating a melting pot of genres. Elements of the trumpet, harmonica, and Dobro really create that old school feeling without sounding dated.
It was evident that the disc was not excessively produced. The Delta Saints are a band I would want to see live because of their captivating sound that is not overdone; it’s made just right. Many groups of this kind get so caught up in making themselves contemporary and they lose so many great characteristics along the way. This is normally not my go-to genre for those reasons, but The Delta Saints have revived some classic sounds while making this creative fusion their own.
In A Word: Natural
