Nick Delffs has always been an artist unafraid of transformation, and his second solo LP Transitional Phase shows his willingness to embrace change and navigate the complexities of life through his songs. Known for his work with the Portland-based band the Shaky Hands, Delffs has long been a popular figure in the Pacific Northwest music scene. His authentic voice and energy have been winning over fans since the mid-2000s, and his latest looks to continue that thanks to his unique vision.

Transitional Phase was born from a period of significant personal and social upheaval. Delffs' fascination with Hinduism and a recent trip to India deeply influenced the album's creation. "Meditating and chanting are such constant parts of my life these days," Delffs shares. "They came into this album like any other naturally flowing thought." The result is an album that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Recorded with co-producer and collaborator Eli Moore of the band LAKE, Transitional Phase builds upon Delffs' musical foundations while venturing into new areas. It features a synth-laden sound reminiscent of '80s new wave and synth-pop, brought to life with the help of several old friends. Drummers Joe Plummer (the Shins, Modest Mouse, Cold War Kids) and Graeme Gibson (Michael Nau, Fruit Bats), keyboardist Luke Wyland (Au, Methods Body), composer Peter Broderick (Sharon Van Etten, M. Ward), and bassist Mayhaw Hoons all contribute to the album's unique sound.

The themes of change and transformation are woven throughout the album. The opening track, "Transformation," sets the tone with its looping, percussive rhythms and dub-inflected beats. Recorded in early 2020 at Moore's studio on Whidbey Island, the sessions were interrupted by the onset of the pandemic, forcing Delffs to continue work back in Boise. This unexpected shift led to a deeper level of collaboration and trust between Delffs and Moore, resulting in something that’s cohesive but still explorative.

Delffs' songwriting is as unconventional as his music. He spends as much time as possible not listening to music, allowing his need for songs to drive his creativity. His recent trip to India also influenced his perspective, with cows (?) serving as a source of inspiration. "They just eat grass and somehow milk is created," he marvels. "Their poo and pee is antiseptic and medicinal!" So, there you have it…the Tao of cows!

Nick Delffs draws on a diverse range of influences, from Tom Petty and Talking Heads to Alice Coltrane and George Harrison. The angular "Power and Position" showcases LAKE's Ashley Eriksson's unmistakable vocals, while "Brave New World" juxtaposes a smooth groove with themes of social upheaval. The album's title track is a perfect marriage of Delffs' introspective lyrics and Moore's literate DIY Yacht funk, resulting in a sound that’s both transcendently free and deeply rooted in personal experience.