Review of Upcoming Deer Tick Album Born on Flag Day

Deer Tick is the project of singer/songwriter John McCauley, a Rhode Island native who has been penning tunes and touring since his high school days. While brought up in the same underground rock scene that produced famed noise group Lightening Bolt, as well as other more fringe acts, McCauley has a surprisingly accessible and familiar sound, one that draws on the energized folk-rock of Neil Young just as much as it does the gruff country-punk of Lucero and Two Gallants. And while 2007's War Elephant was an excellent introduction to a young and honed songwriter, Born on Flag Day shows McCauley perfecting his sound.

Album number two is a warm and expansive album that remains humble and bar-room-ready at all times. McCauley knows his way around country picking, blues riffing, folk strumming, and mood capturing. And while his tunes often sound traditionally influenced, it is his gravelly vocals that add a raw and unexpected modern energy. It is a great combination that will draw in fans of Americana as well as fans of lo-fi, impassioned singer/songwriters.

Right from opener "Easy," you can hear this juxtaposition at play. The song bobs and screams like a dark sound-tracked moment in some low budget western, before a steady strum and McCauley whiskey-worn voice kick in and give the song some needed direction. McCauley sounds desperate, but in command, a man who is used to being kicked to the ground, but now knows how to get right back up with no hesitation. By the time you reach the chorus you know McCauley is one hell of a songwriter. The song opens up into a rollicking rock tune that will dig its way into your brain after just one listen.

"Little White Lies" and "Smith Hill" follow up the energized opener and reside at the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Both are mellow country ballads made for a tiny stage with low lights and free drinks for the performer. Once again it is McCauley's voice that makes these songs convincing. It isn't hard to play guitar in a minor key and get out some heart-broken, alcohol-loving lyrics, but without the right voice these things just sound trite. Luckily McCauley nails them like a well-worn veteran.

"Song About a Man" keeps things in hushed territory with an acoustic song that could have been right at home on Springsteen's Nebraska. From there "Houston, TX" works with a traditional country shuffle. Johnny Cash may have perfected this tempo, but McCauley utilizes it perfectly. "Straight into a Storm" on the other hand resides in Creedence Clearwater Revival territory as it blends '50s rock with southern traits.

"Friday Xiii" and "The Ghost" take us back to the shuffling, brush-stroked drums, and simple country strumming before "Hell on Earth" gives us a taste of slow-moving rock. "Stung" closes out the album, but if you are willing to hang around you'll get a live bonus track complete with crowd noises and cans of beer being opened. It is a fitting closing that puts what Deer Tick does in perspective. These songs are meant for bars full of people who expect music with their drinks instead of people who go to see a band and expect drinks with their music. It is also lets you know that McCauley can nail that gruff cadence even live.

Deer Tick, or McCauley, have come a long way and while the songwriter's debut was an enjoyable listen, Born on Flag Day shows exactly what McCauley is fully capable of doing as a musician and singer.