When a band decides to change up their sound, one of two things can happen; they can be really sincere about it, or it comes off as hokey, and lackadaisical. Some may think that the new Delta Spirit self-titled record achieves the latter, copying a more My Morning Jacket sound than anything original. To that person, I would say you’re not listening closely enough, and for a band that chooses to embrace musical evolution as opposed to the “same old song and dance,” I give Delta Spirit a lot of credit.

Delta Spirit’s goal of changing up their sound revolves around a prog-rock influence. Does it feel inspired by tour mates My Morning Jackets? Yes, at some spots, but there are a wide range of influences on this record. More importantly, Delta Spirit embrace their new sound while still clinging to the original sound that made the band notable. The one nostalgic track, “Home” is very much in the vein of the band’s two previous albums (Ode to Sunshine, History from Below), and often times feels like it could have been a b-side to either one.

Influentially, Delta Spirit are all over the map on this album, and that’s not a bad thing. “Tear It Up” is like a mash-up of the guitar sound from Kings of Leon’s Come Around Sundown coupled with the best moments of My Morning Jacket’s Z. “Tellin’ the Mind” feels like a contemporary take on U2’s “Bullet the Blue Sky,” especially with the way the guitar comes in. But it’s the beat that sets itself apart, relying on a modern indie drum sound. “Money Saves” is greatly inspired by The Strokes, relying on quick guitar plucking and a modern punk-ish drum beat; the distant hand clapping also sounds like something The Strokes would do.

At times, this album can get repetitive, but it doesn’t overshadow the intention or spirit of the album at any point. In making this a self-titled release, the band has further expanded the meaning of what Delta Spirit is. If you thought they were that Americana band that you could rely on, think again, because they are something much greater.

Album Rating: Stream It or Digitally Download It (Legally of Course)

Listening Co-efficient: Passive Listen

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