Del Vertigo - On The Day That You Come To

​Del Vertigo

On The Day That You Come To
​self-released; 2022

4.1 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen
​

Eric Schaffer is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and sound engineer from Los Angeles with over fifteen years of musical experience. His solo project Del Vertigo began to form around eight years ago and he is about to release his next EP entitled On The Day That You Come To. Schaffer’s signature sound crosses genres and you might pick up on some of his influences which include Radiohead, Deerhunter, The Pixies, Nirvana and Modest Mouse. The themes and concepts on On The Day That You Come To flirt with philosophical rumination such as the disconnected relationship between humans and nature as well the ability to repair it.

The EP begins with “Obsidian Hills.” It starts with a hypnotic guitar pattern and reverb laced vocals. Tribal sounding drums which take advantage of toms add some emotional heft to the song. I thought the way the reverb was used was detailed, for example the way it emphasizes certain words. Other elements start to come in like bass as well as what could be some sort of synth which sounds like it was on “Karma Police” by Radiohead. The end of the song is great as it forms into this cloud of vocal harmonies, percussion and more that feel like it has a symbiotic relationship. 

“There’s a Glimmer In The Thicket” starts with haunting and ominous soundscapes. Textures and tones combine, sparkle and morph into different sounds. I loved the sound design on this song which is worldly and cosmic. The vocals are still the focal point but I was just as intrigued by the music. I would recommend headphones for this one.

“In Dreams (feat. Jeremy Stotter & David Zasloff)” was a highlight. The song is subtle and subdued. The beginning guitar pattern is memorable and similar to something you might hear from Bon Iver. Haunting elements hug the guitar which give it a unique emotive quality. The song just gets better as it progresses. There are some beautiful builds before the two-minute mark. It sounds like a distant horn and it was soft but also powerful.

“The Fall” is one of the more experimental songs. The beginning of the song is a dark and foreboding soundscape. There is again some exceptional sound design but also the structure of the song was unique. A arpeggio pattern combines with huge sounding pads and blooms with the soaring vocals.

I loved the transition from “The Fall” to the closing title track “On The Day That You Come To. The reason being “On The Day That You Come To” was the most joyful and upbeat song. It felt like a cathartic release after the mostly moody songs. He sings “Make it all better” towards the end which felt fitting.

​This EP is very well produced and is one that benefits from listening to from beginning to end. There’s a lot to appreciate here and I thought the arc of the emotional resonance was precise and took you on a journey. Highly recommended.

Distrokid

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