Deer Tick’s Foremost Effort Falls Stale
This tick is not latching on.
Deer Tick
The Black Dirt Sessions
Released on Jun 08, 2010
Deer Tick’s past has been a confusing string of three albums. The Black Dirt Sessions, Deer Tick’s third and foremost release, deviates from their successful second album, Born on Flag Day—third time’s not a charm with this one. The sincere alternative folk/country in their former album raised standards for Deer Tick’s fans as the latter missed the mark. So, is this band any good? In simple, yes, they can play some first class alt-country with passion, but thus far Born on Flag Day stands alone.
The name Deer Tick certainly wasn’t intended to identify a parasitic sound and from past efforts their sound has done nothing of the sort. But, The Black Dirt Sessions unfortunately does suck the life out of Deer Tick in a disappointing fashion. Few glimmers of hope tantalize familiar listeners with their grungy country sound. The adrenaline flows only when they put their high-gear hats on, bringing John McCauley’s rough raspy voice to its potential.
I am a big believer in a strong first song, or at least an interesting opening for every album. “Choir of Angels” does not capture with the soul-country ballad. The buzzing voice of McCauley combined with crisp backing vocals does not start this record off on the right foot.
“Twenty Miles” follows as a more concrete representation of the band. This probably would have been a more suitable choice for an opening track. The quirky and solid rhythm, with the help of a pulsating bass line, puts this somber tune to a gleaming life.
Reminiscent of a Colin Meloy and The Decemberists composition, “Piece by Piece and Frame by Frame” melodramatically sings of a mangled relationship. The thundering clang of the piano fits for the subject matter and tone of this song.
“Mange” is easily the best tune of this album. The funky bass line complemented by a quick and deliberate hi-hat pitter-patter. A clean, flowing guitar ditty nails down the rhythm with fervor. McCauley gargles along the chorus to bolster a hell of a song. A jangling piano riff comes in and sparks a high energy jam session with no reservations. The jam session fades to nothing, but could have lasted minutes longer without deterring any listeners.
The only other tune raising this album’s stock, “Blood Moon,” celestially rocks me to sleep—in a good way. This peaceful song lacks the level of rasp exemplified in the rest of the album.
Deer Tick is certainly capable of greatness, but they are on the brinks of coal in this effort. A coal that could, and most likely will, turn to diamonds in upcoming albums. I look forward to what is to come, as long as they learn from this failed effort.
High Point
“Mange” and very few others are worth your 99 cents on iTunes.
Low Point
The rest of the album.
Posted by Daniel Wehrli on Jun 08, 2010 @ 10:22 pm
