Dear Soundville listeners and readers,

Today, I offer you to experience a new musical experience with the debut album ‘Strange Angels’ from the California-based band Casa Del Sol. Some albums are meant for background listening, while others demand to be lived through, felt, filling the empty spaces in the heart with their music. The album ‘Strange Angels’ falls into this category, a hazy, hypnotic invitation into the world of Casa Del Sol, where past and present intertwine, and every note carries the weight of history. Mad Johnny Modell, the founder of Casa Del Sol, as well as songwriter and vocalist, was not afraid to follow the call of music, his dream of becoming a musician, leaving behind the family business. Mad Johnny Modell was joined by legendary drummer Wally Ingram (Sheryl Crow, Crowded House, Eric Burdon, Stockholm Syndrome, Bob Weir and Phil Lesh, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt) and his best friend at the same time, and then Casa Del Sol expanded, bringing in bassist Mike DiPirro (Free Peoples, Albany Project, Bill Kreutzmann) and keyboardist Mighty Dave Pellicciaro (Jackmormons, Materialized).

The debut album ‘Strange Angels’ by Casa Del Sol is a collection of songs soaked in psychedelia, blues, folk, soul, as well as late ’60s and early ’70s rock. The 9 tracks do not merely pay tribute to the golden era of psychedelia. The sound penetrates its soul, embracing wild eyes, wonder, an improvisational spirit, and the sense that music, at its best, is something sacred and comprehensible only to the soul. This is both the beauty and the stumbling block of the release. Undoubtedly, Strange Angels is a unique phenomenon meant for contemplation, exploring sound, and long evenings in the soft, cozy glow of Casa Del Sol’s music. However, listening to the album in one go, you might exclaim, “Hey, dude from Soundville, this sounds non-commercial! Why is it not for the mass listener, and why does it sometimes feel like a live show?” But listen, your questions have a place here, yet this is the charm and uniqueness of the release. The album ‘Strange Angels’ feels like a collection of tracks reflecting different emotions and states. You won’t find a single thread here, except for the inner feeling of the musicians. Each track will shake you and your musical experience, enriching it and sometimes surprising you with how psychedelia can influence the subconscious and bring unique emotions. And, like good strong alcohol, you’ll notice the strength in the end.

In ‘Sing My Song’ and ‘Love In a Time of War,’ the ballad-like feel and soft rock sound will have you swaying to the rhythm, while the romantic tone might even let you drift into daydreams. Especially in ‘Love In a Time of War,’ where every beat almost whispers of love and care. But don’t relax just yet, because in ‘Realize’ the melody shifts completely. A mix of ethnic percussion and light acoustic folk-pop, with subtle rock inflections in the vocals, won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it will undoubtedly pull you out of routine and make you feel the present moment.

I ask you to pause and turn up ‘Leaves And Trees’ a little louder than usual to truly feel the pain, drama, and energy in this song. This track not only divides ‘Strange Angels’ into a before and after, it unleashes a six-minute, twenty-four-second avalanche of dark psychedelia, tightening my throat and bringing a lump of tears. Slow, weeping violins, flowing guitars, and a voice on the edge, as if speaking words of pain gathered from the world’s despair. Flawless. And I won’t hesitate to say that it’s my favorite track.

As I listen, I realize what this album reminds me of, David Bowie’s ‘Blackstar.’ The most dramatic part of this realization is that I’m not even a Bowie fan in general, yet I was completely drawn in and deeply felt the sound of Casa Del Sol.Comfort and solace arrive with ‘These Roads.’ The album’s contrasts are outlined in bold strokes, and the light of hope flickers, now glowing, now vanishing into darkness. I love how cinematic ‘These Roads’ sounds, with its bright, ringing guitars that sometimes push too high, too experimental, too soulful in their unique and unusual harmonies, seemingly on the verge of breaking the sound apart. Yet each time, the opposite happens, the sound takes on new shades, unveiling its psychedelic arthouse depth.

The album closes with ‘Strange Angels,’ carrying the atmosphere of a live show, raw performance, and a touch of analog warmth. Soft acoustics and spacious vocals evoke a deep nostalgia for a bygone iconic sound, echoing classic ballads. You know, I can hear subtle Roy Orbison vibes here, along with hints of global influences. I invite you to experience the sound of Casa Del Sol, even if you’ve been a fan of a completely different genre. Their music might open up a new dimension you never even knew existed. Absolutely recommended.

Hey, Casa Del Sol! Thank you for creating such incredible and one-of-a-kind music. I absolutely loved listening to and feeling your album. It felt like it was recorded purely out of inspiration, not to outshine chart-topping hits but to immerse in sound and let the listener truly experience the melody. That means so much in today’s world, where digitalization keeps pushing its way into our lives. If Mad Johnny Modell hadn’t followed his heart to California all those years ago, I probably wouldn’t be listening to ‘Strange Angels’ right now and wouldn’t be so captivated by it, heh. There’s something mysterious and sacred about that. I’m definitely sharing this album with everyone. Everyone needs to hear such beautiful and unique music. Love it, and I’m your fan!

IG @casadelsolmusic
FB @casadelsolmusic

With much love,
Soundville