Built to Spill delivers dream-like concert in support of their latest album 

Built to Spill’s new album “When The Wind Forgets Your Name” is the perfect view into the 90s-era indie rock scene. Doug Martsch, the longest-standing member, has stayed true to the band’s typical melancholy, guitar-heavy music in this album after almost 30 years of making music. The album, made in collaboration with Brazilian psychedelic jazz rock band, Oruã, was released Sept. 9.

The band’s recent concert at The Social in Orlando, was one of their stops for the album’s release. Openers Oruã and The French Tips were almost as awesome as the main act. Built to Spill’s playing of songs from their earlier albums alongside some of their newest music was seamless. 

“When The Wind Forgets Your Name” is the group’s first album since “Untethered Moon” in 2015. The whole album is a gem, and although they stayed true to themselves, they still put out an album that makes Martsch, the founding member, seem like he has officially found himself.

The bar setting of the show proved to be very intimate. The close quarters made it feel like Martsch was singing right to you, as everyone in the room was no more than 50 feet away from the stage, which was so small that the drummer had to set up to the side of the singer, and the first row of the crowd could reach up and touch the musicians.

“Built to Spill” was inspired by Dinosaur Jr., Pixies, and The Smiths but has set itself apart with their token guitar riffs. Martsch’s playing proved mesmerizing to the many in attendance who were dancing.

“Elements,” a standout song, had a different feel than the other songs on this album, featuring a more piano-centered track than their usual guitar. The song was dreamy and cosmic with echoing lyrics. Listening left one feeling forgotten, like such a small piece in the world, or the whole universe.