For dire fans of the Providence rockers Deer Tick, it’s been entirely too long since they’ve released some new tunes–until this year at least. The band announced two new upcoming albums called Deer Tick Vol. 1 and Vol. 2–one that showcases their endearing, folkish acoustic side, and the other that exemplifies their classic, gritty, on-a-bender sound that fans have loved since their debut album War Elephant from 2007. But their latest singles have proven that this band (regardless of whatever changes might come with adult life) haven’t ventured too far off from who they’ve always been, and yes, it’s definitely a good thing. “Sea of Clouds” could easily fit on their sophomore album Born on Flag Day. “Jumpstarting” could fit on The Black Dirt Sessions. And “It’s a Whale” could easily fit on Divine Providence (in between dirty-rock tunes like “The Bump” and “Let’s All Go to the Bar”).
It’s been a long time since these wicked Rhodys have performed in dingy kitchens back in Prov. with a bottle of whiskey within arm’s reach, but it’s that exact DIY vibe that flourishes throughout their shows (whether they’re playing Newport Folk Festival or celebrating their ten-year anniversary at Brooklyn Bowl on New Year’s Eve). Spill your ‘Gansett tallboy. Smoke too many cigarettes. Get drunk on that up-all-night, sorta seedy tone of John McCauley’s voice. Keep away the bullshit. Just jam. That’s just how it’s done when it comes to a Deer Tick show. And that’s how the trend will continue when they come back to Brooklyn (hopefully in matching button-ups again) and perform their guts out at BK Steel, with a sweaty, rowdy crowd most definitely singing along.
Deer Tick has also released a documentary called Straight Into Storm that showcases behind-the-scenes footage of the band that centers around their anniversary tour here in New York. For all the tick-heads out there, it’s a must-see music doc that’ll remind you again and again just how fucking great this band seriously is.
Brooklyn Steel
12/2
8 p.m.
$27.50
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