A thankful return to roots

With expressive lyrics that have been compared to Bob Dylan’s and Bruce Springsteen’s, it’s no surprise that the San Diego-based group, Delta Spirit, has rapidly gained popularity with Americana fans across the country.

Lead vocalist Matt Vasquez, guitarist Sean Walker, bassist Jon Jameson, pianist Kelly Winrich and percussionist Brandon Young discovered on their most recent U.S. tour just how many fans they’ve attracted with their insightful rock ballads that reflect on world issues, spirituality and personal life experiences.

“We sold out huge [venues] in places like San Francisco and Chicago that we didn’t expect to,” Vasquez said. “It’s been a crazy ride.”

The band said it’s also been an exhausting one, after four consecutive weeks of trekking all over the country and throughout Western Europe on what has been their biggest tour to-date.

They will now make their way up the California Coast alongside R&B;/soul group Dawes, during which they will pay a visit Detroit Bar on Saturday, a venue to which they attribute much of their success.

“We’re thankful to them for taking such good care of us over the years,” Vasquez said. “They really helped build our career by giving us residency there back in the day.”

Now signed with Indie record label Rounder Records (also label to Grammy winners Robert Plant/Alison Krauss and eclectic rock ‘n’ roller Jonathan Richmond), the group released “Ode to Sunshine” in 2008.

Their prior album, “I Think I’ve Found It” was released in 2006 under the Monarchy Music label, following a tour with Dr. Dog, Cold War Kids and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.

Inspired by pure authenticity and the ability to go against the grain of the mainstream music industry, the five country-loving band members opted to record “Ode to Sunshine” in a quaint and quiet cabin in the San Diego Mountains.

Having adopted its name from Jameson’s Uncle Red’s taxidermy station in Central Alabama, Vasquez said, “We’re all about the homestead music.”

They are working on a new album, which they hope to release in the summer.

Delta Spirit and Dawes will perform at Detroit Bar with special guest, We Barbarians [Long Beach].

“We Barbarians have a cool, ambient vibe and Dawes is just an awesome band with insane harmonies,” Vasquez said. “We’re really excited to play with both of them, and to be back at Detroit Bar.”

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Delta Spirit, alongside Dawes and We Barbarians

WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Detroit Bar, 843 West 19th St, Costa Mesa

INFO: Call (949) 642-0600 or visit www.myspace.com/ deltaspirit