Sometimes, as a concert goer, you simply luck into being in the right place at the right time.
This was one of those times.
When we booked our family vacation back in February, I had no preconceived notions of going to any shows while we were there. I mean, Cape Cod is more known for showcasing bands like Beatlemania (a Beatles cover band) than for being a stop over for top notch indie rock. So earlier this past week, when I learned via Facebook that Deer Tick was going to be playing a show with another fave, David Vandervelde, at the Beachcomber in Wellfleet (a former lifeguard post on the edge of the continent, a mere 45 minutes east of where I was vacationing), there was about a 12-second delay before I had completed the ticket purchase.
The parking lot was full about 30 minutes before Vandervelde took the stage. And the bar, maxing out at an occupancy of about 250 people inside and out, was full by the time Vandervelde had finished a guitar-throttling set (honestly, you need to see this guy live, trust me.)
I have absolutely no idea where all those people parked in a lot that more resembles a Baja race course than a place to park your car, but they sauntered in and pushed toward the tiny stage none the less. And those that made the show were no doubt left with a feeling of being part of something special. There were some standard Deer Tick antics, which I’ve come to expect and love (beer splashed cymbal playing, McCauley dancing through the crowd while chanting a tune, beer chugging and standing on anything and everything possible to elevate the energy of the show) but there were also some new elements, like saxophone solos, armpit nuzzling and lighting the set list on fire. Note, though, that McCauley set the list aflame on top of his own guitar. Ever the lovable punk, that one.
It seems each of the Deer Tick shows I’ve been to in the past few years has been a you-shoulda-been-there show. This one was definitely no different.
Let that be a lesson to you. And me, for that matter.
Oh and in case you’ve missed it, Deer Tick has a new album coming out in the near future on Partisan Records. They played “Miss K” for us, sans kick drum. Check the video below and grab the track here:
DOWNLOAD: Deer Tick - Miss K (MP3) or Follow us for more Deer Tick MP3s (Twitter)
Two songs go in, one comes out. Pick a side.
thanks so much nadine! probably the best compliment a photog can get!
and thanks for reminding me to embed the video in the post too!
by Steve Benoit on Sun May 20, 2012 at 09.33 am from the entry: Father John Misty + Har Mar Superstar - Brighton Music Hall (Boston, MA; May 16, 2012)
I can’t get over how these photos captured my up close memory of the night.
by nadine on Sat May 19, 2012 at 11.08 pm from the entry: Father John Misty + Har Mar Superstar - Brighton Music Hall (Boston, MA; May 16, 2012)
Or should it be whoever? F my grammar.
by nadine on Sat May 19, 2012 at 10.30 pm from the entry: Father John Misty + Har Mar Superstar - Brighton Music Hall (Boston, MA; May 16, 2012)
Whomever took these photos certainly captured the night!
by nadine on Sat May 19, 2012 at 10.26 pm from the entry: Father John Misty + Har Mar Superstar - Brighton Music Hall (Boston, MA; May 16, 2012)
“Mindkilla” is awesome. I’ve got this music video last week and really impressed through watching every performance particularly “Glass Jar”. Thanks dude. :)
dance contest
by Mark Waugh on Thu May 17, 2012 at 05.54 am from the entry: Gang Gang Dance's Illuminating "Mindkilla"
Also, I have yet to pay this venue a visit, is it good spot? good people, good vibe, good atmosphere?
... man, i hope i win some tickets…
by Jaz Bonnin-Aldatz on Thu May 17, 2012 at 12.27 am from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
Looking forward to the show. Would love to win some tix for my pals.
by MC Breath on Wed May 16, 2012 at 07.40 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
Love this, Steve. also, love that melophobe saw Deer Tick 2 nights in a row.
thanks beth! i love it too. wish i’d gotten to go to barnstormer.
Great photos. p.s....this was the 25th, not the 13th.
fixed. thanks for the catch melinda!
Talk about being in the right place at the right time! They had a show scheduled for Fri the 26th in N.Hampton and I had tickets but no car. We took a bus to maine and were gonna wing it from my mom’s place in Kittery. But the show moved last minute 11 miles to this tiny dance hall - in Kittery!! It was a mile walk from her house. I was so blissed out I could have died. stumbling on foot in maine to see the ticks play in a tiny dance hall that made ya feel like you were at a high school dance and being so close you were getting backlash from their sweat and screaming your gullet off was the BEST most climatic experience a concert could have. Gaaaaahhhh i love deer tick. Thanks for the post, man!
then you are in good company taeya. they’re a personal fav of mine as well.
glad to hear you had a blast at barnstormer as well! look for some coverage from us on that show too to help bring back some of those blissful memories…