PHILADELPHIA, PA – Deer Tick are no strangers to the grueling life of touring. At one point, averaging over 250 shows per year. Now, sixteen years since their inception, the rock outfit from Providence, RI are back with a new album, Emotional Contracts, and are proving that some things just get better with age.
In front of a packed house at Union Transfer last month, the band comprised of singer-songwriter John McCauley, guitarist Ian O’Neil, bassist Christopher Ryan, and drummer Dennis Ryan, took the stage and put on a show to remember.
Opening their set with their new song, “Forgiving Ties,” before transitioning into their vigorous punk infused track, “It’s a Whale,” the group wasted no time in showing their dynamic range and bringing the energy to the crowded Callowhill venue.
Playing a wide variety of tracks from their discography, the band kept fans guessing as to what song might come next.
However, about midway through their set, between songs, one attendee called out for the band to play their coveted song off their debut album War Elephant, “Baltimore Blues No. 1.” According to Setlist.fm, the band hadn’t been playing the song at previous stops on their Wrestling With Emotions tour.
Much to the surprise and delight of the crowd frontman John McCauley obliged, before immediately following it up with their critically acclaimed tune, “Twenty Miles” sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Despite the energy disposed throughout the show, the band closed out the night on a slower note, playing a cover of the 1984 Bruce Springsteen track, “Dancing in the Dark.”
Then the group capped off the night by performing the closing track on Emotional Contracts, “The Real Thing.” The lyrics to which seem to paint a picture of McCauley’s life on the road over the past sixteen years.
“And there ain’t nothing new to see,” McCauley professes, “I’ve given half my life away wondering which direction’s home.”
The audience was captivated in silence for the final five minutes of the show, but as the final song of a 21-song setlist began winding down, the crowd erupted. The thunderous applause was well deserved as the foursome from Rhode Island demolished the stage at the historic repurposed Union Transfer Baggage Express Co. warehouse.
From energetic to calm and beautiful, the seasoned rock-folk journeymen certainly know how to put on a show. Deer Tick are a must-see band, who seamlessly blend genres in a pleasing and tasteful manner. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to check them out when they come to a city near you.
For tickets to an upcoming show or more information on all things Deer Tick, you can check out their website, www.deertickmusic.com, or follow them on Instagram @deertickmusic.