Deer Tick – “The Black Dirt Sessions”

For Deer Tick’s third full-length, The Black Dirt Sessions, the folky-, grungy-, country-inspired band puts out an effort that sticks to what they know.

The album starts out with “Choir of Angels,” a mid-tempo track calling up everything from gospel influences with whiny organs and country influences with acoustic guitar and sentimental, story-telling lyrics. Sessions comes full circle on the religious aspect when it closes out with “Christ Jesus,” a song that sees lead singer John Joseph McCauley III questioning Jesus. The accompaniment of the sostenuto-pedaled piano adds passion to an already emotional piece that implements the use of strings and strained vocals. This song oozes emotion and is easily one of the biggest highlights of the album.

In “Goodbye Dear Friend,” the song gives the listener flashes of Dustin Kensrue, only with more of a lo-fi effect. That layered piano once again makes an appearance, but this time, it is all there is to offer. This morbid song is yet-again made emotional with the stripped down sound of nothing but a piano and McCauley’s voice.

“When She Comes Home” and “Hand in My Hand” are proof that Deer Tick isn’t just about writing moody, gospel-country songs; they can write VERY country folk songs as well. The country influences are incredibly prominent here, most obviously with the guitar work and lyrical style.

Though I could not get myself to like this band at first, The Black Dirt Sessions really grew on me. I’ve been appreciating bits and pieces of country lately with the likes of CAKE, She & Him and Band of Horses but Deer Tick is probably the most country-heavy band I’ve grown to tolerate. Sessions is a great listen and definitely worth it for when you are mellowing out with a beer.

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