On the cusp of releasing their latest album Emotional Contracts, Deer Tick performed two sold-out nights (June 9th and 10th) at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock. Both shows included performances of new songs while sharing favorites from the bands catalog.
Opening Saturday’s show, Rafay Rashid. A Providence R.I resident by way of Islamabad, Pakistan. Introducing songs from his debut solo album Kitchen Weapons, Rahid and his band (including a few members of Deer Tick) had a melodic grove intensifying as their set progressed. His excitement opening for Deer Tick was evident, calling them out occasionally between songs. Rafay’s performance set the groove, readying the house for what was to come.
With the intimacy of Levon Helm Studios, the vibe between band and audience is beyond palpable. The moment singer/guitarist John McCauley, guitarist Ian O’Neil, drummer Dennis Ryan, bassist Christopher Ryan hit the stage, it was on. With dueling guitars, multiple lead vocals, a solid rhythm section, Deer Tick is a formidable part of rock and roll.
Opening with “Forgiving Ties” from their latest project, the night continued with a host of new material. Deeper into the set, the band maneuvered across the spectrum of Deer Tick. “Jumpstarting” from Dear Tick Vol. 2 had the crowd singing. It continued on from there with people clapping in time and jumping up to dance, because they had no choice.
On night two, their makeshift encore (at Levon’s, it is not logistically feasible to step off the stage to a backstage area), La Bamba leaped out to start it off. Closing, McCauley and company shared “The Real Thing,” the final track from Emotional Contracts.
As a bonus, the Texas Piano Man Robert Ellis sat in with the band. Tucked into the corner of the stage, Ellis’s ticking of the ivories helped take the night to an even higher level. For both Deer Tick and those in attendance, this was a special weekend. Experiencing new songs while pulling out favorites. Quenching the Deer Tick fan palate to the fullest.
Deer Tick
Rafay Rashid
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