Today, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, Bay Area psych-rockers Casa Del Sol have released their debut album, Strange Angels, available now on all streaming platforms. The nine-track collection aims to produce a semblance of vintage flair, co-opting cinematic elements inspired by the 1960s and ‘70s that, in turn, administers psychedelia, soul, rock, blues, and jazz nodes that illuminate the full capacity of the ensemble. 

To mark Casa Del Sol’s momentous release, the band will host an LP release concert tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 25, at San Francisco’s Broadway Studios. The occasion will double as a fundraising opportunity, with profits raised going toward Sweet Relief, the non-profit that “provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing physical or mental health issues, disability, or age-related problems,” and their wildfire relief efforts stemming from the Los Angeles blazes that erupted in early January.

Casa Del Sol is the brainchild of singer-songwriter and guitarist John “Mad Johnny” Modell, son of NFL owner Art Modell. Despite his father’s sports world acclaim, Mad Johnny carved his own niche in the music industry, initially as a mastering engineer for Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and Yes, and later diving headlong into tech as a leading innovator. 

The musician took a break from the long nights and his hectic schedule to raise a family, ultimately tapping longtime friends, including drummer Wally Ingram (Sheryl Crow, Jackson Browne, Bob Weir and Phil Lesh), bassist Mike DiPirro (Bill Kreutzmann, Albany Project), and keyboardist Mighty Dave Pellicciaro (Jackmormons, Materialized) when he was ready for his musical return. 

“I was the black sheep of the family. I went to California as a freaky guitar player much to my parents’ consternation, but they ended up proud that I made a living in this crazy business,” Modell offered via press release. “These days I feel inspired to bring love, connection, and make people feel good through music. The best art is always made in times of turmoil.”

To top off today’s releases, Casa Del Sol has unveiled the official music video for their psych-folk narrative “You Make Me So High.” Watch below. 

Purchase tickets for Casa Del Sol’s album release concert, featuring special guests The Minglewood Boys.