Imagine being unable to move in a steam room full of smoke, sweat and drunks. Despite these conditions, it was worth the wait to see one of the most lively acts today. The Delta 72 performed its funky soul sound at Bernie’s Distillery Monday in support of its new release, “The Soul of a New Machine” on the Chicago label, Touch and Go. With the addition of horns and experimental textures on the new record, the band has progressed musically since its formation two years ago in Washington, D.C. The members currently reside in Philadelphia and have just embarked on a four-week tour of the Midwest and South, taking local rock heroes, the New Bomb Turks, with them on a few dates. Drawing its sound from early soul influences, The Delta 72 is eager to convert the unexposed to the sexy groove that is its calling card. The band is noted for its use of slide guitar, keyboards and audience participation by providing a “soul clap” beat. Chatting with 24-year-old singer and guitarist Gregg Foreman before the show was interesting and a laugh riot. What were your musical influences?I listen to a lot of soul, Stax (the legendary soul label) stuff, Booker T and the MGs, Can. No-wave stuff, everything really.How long have you personally been playing?I’ve been playing the guitar for about 12 years. I also play the piano. I just picked that up while growing up. I’ve never taken a lesson. I’m just always playing around.Do you like music the same as before forming The Delta 72?Well, I can say that I know more about it now. I guess I like it more now, sure.Were you in any bands before forming The Delta 72?Not really. I was in a pre-Make Up band before, with Ian (Svenonius) and James (Canty).Speaking of the Make Up, what do you think of them? (The Make Up is a Washington, D.C. based soul band.)We used to think about them, but now we don’t. They have become sort of unfriendly.I’ve noticed that the new record has less vocals on it than “The R & B of Membership.” Is there a reason for that? Not really. If we have an instrumental idea, we don’t feel the need to put vocals on it because that is the standard pop set-up.When I saw you at your CMJ show in New York you were crazy, hanging from the rafters of Tramps. Is this a new habit?No. That’s pretty common. We do it whenever we have enough room. I just go with how I feel and live in the moment.Who have you toured with?We’ve toured with Boss Hog, the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Man or Astroman?, Girls Against Boys and Brainiac, among others. The West Coast tour we did with Brainiac last year was wild. Is there any truth to the story that you got in a fight with Jon Spencer and beat him up?There is no story. We’re good friends. One night (when they toured together last year) he was really drunk and he slapped me. So, I just punched him in the face. I don’t think I laid him out or anything, but someone told me he got a black eye. (Foreman plays piano on a track of the upcoming Blues Explosion record.)How do you like Columbus? We like it a lot. We have a lot of good friends here. We liked playing at the Neil House (the Neil House is a defunct all-ages punk house).The band is very fashionable. I was wondering if you have tried to get any designer sponsorships?We’d love to go for Prada. Gucci would be cool. I’m thinking Vivienne Westwood. She’d be able to whip up something a little crazy for us. I watch the fashion shows on E! all the time. Fans of fashion and high energy rock and soul be sure to pick up The Delta 72 records, “The Soul of a New Machine” and “The R&B of Membership” at your favorite record store.