Casa Del Sol's debut album, Strange Angels -- which hit streaming services today, January 24th, 2025 -- blends psychedelic rock with groovy soul for a sonic experience designed to make listening an event if not a lifestyle.
The San Francisco-based quartet's style, heavily inspired by 60s and 70s psych-rock, explores not only the classic elements of this sound, but also fuses aspects of acoustic and soul for a powerful and intensely vibey experience, as showcased on the new album.
The album opens with "Sing My Song," a fluidly moving track full of tasteful instrumentals and vocals. The message of the song, while simple, is an inspiring one: "I'll sing my song all night." The sentiment not only reminds musicians, but everyone to sing their songs and be true to themselves. The drums and guitar drive the song forward, while the bass lays down a solid foundation and the piano fills out the soundscape.
The second track, "Love In a Time of War," is the first but certainly not the last track to feature organ, filling out the sound with grandeur. Along with electric guitar and synthesizer, this track stands out for its lyrics, which preach love and community in hard times: "I've seen love in a time of war / Brotherhood with bones knocking on the door."
Another notable track, "Cold Water," begins the genre-fusion journey the album explores, combining the heavy acoustic drive of the intro with the bluesy piano and electric guitar solos sprinkled throughout. Lyrically, the song reminds the listener to stand strong, even as the sea of life threatens to sweep you out: "Cold water on the sea / Cold water won't cover me."
Closing the album is the titular track, "Strange Angels." This song slows the momentum of the album to a restful acoustic energy reminiscent of a lullaby. Opening with the lines "Hush sweet darling / Hold the stars in your sleepin' arms tonight," the song acts as a gentle farewell before the night.
Casa Del Sol is led by John "Mad John" Modell (vox, guitar), Wally Ingram (drums), Mike DiPirro (bass), and Mighty Dave Pellicciaro (keyboards).
Modell was born in Los Angeles and raised by legendary NFL team owner Art Modell. He would chart his own course, however, leaving behind the family's legacy with the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens to pursue his dream of making music. After working in the music industry and stepping away to raise his kids as a single dad, he has rekindled his passion for music, joining his close friends in Casa Del Sol.
The band's name, meaning "house of the sun," reflects their roots in Southern California and their mission to bring light to dark times—a sentiment to be extolled in their record release show tomorrow night January 25th at San Francisco's Broadway Studios, which will double as a fundraiser for Southern California fire relief.
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