Wednesday night, before the skies opened up and unleashed Snowmageddon, DC was fortunate to have the high-intensity Delta Spirit play at the intimate DC9. I last saw them open for The Shins back in May, and their album, “Ode to Sunshine”, was (as well as having great cover art) one of my favorite finds of 2009.

Delta Spirit, hailing from San Diego, is one of those bands that is meant to be heard live. Although the studio versions of their songs are very solid, seeing and interacting with the group adds a lot to the experience. I also have a strong appreciation for groups that utilize unusual instrumentation and whose members often change roles even in the midst of a single song.

“Ode to Sunshine” is a very apt phrase to describe the tenor of the album. They play a great fusion of straight-up Americana rock and soul with a type of rough honesty, vigor for life, and consummate passion that permeates all of their songs. The lyrics are thoughtful, powerful, ruthless, yet optimistic, and often political (without falling into cliche). The group dedicated their show to the late Howard Zinn, whose surname was scrawled on Matt’s guitar.

Check out the album version of “Trashcan” for a catchy tune, “People C’mon” for a not-so-gentle exhortation, and “Strange Vine” for a taste of the live show.

They’re getting ready for a new album entitled “History from Below”, and the majority of their set was new songs. I can attest that there’s not a sleeper among them.

Opening the evening was Ms. Rachel Goodrich, a deceptively petite gal with big energy from Florida. Armed with her ukulele and kazoo, she impressed everyone in the room with her catchy tunes and irreverent lyrics. She appears to be gaining more exposure by the day, so make sure to give her a listen (I recommend “Lightbulb”). If you get a chance to see her live, it adds another whole layer to the experience.

The main act was Ezra Furman & the Harpoons. I went to college with these guys (go Tufts!), so had some idea of what I was getting myself into, but hadn’t heard them for a couple of years. Since then, they have put out a couple albums and have been met with rave reviews after live shows.

They’ve only tightened up their act and the songwriting since then. At times he reminds me of a Conor Oberst-type lyricist, but frontman Ezra puts off a kind of frantic energy that is as hard to compare as it is to imitate. Try out “I Wanna Be Ignored” for a good snapshot of the group, or the newer “Take Off Your Sunglasses“.

Two characters, two great performances.