A four-song sampler from indie rock/Americana quartet
The Americana sounds of Deer Tick’s debut, War Elephant, and the heavier dose of rock ‘n’ roll on last year’s Born on Flag Day are both repeated on this 4-song EP, as are John McCauley’s impassioned, rasp-edged vocals. The opening “La La La†suggests Gram Parsons, with pedal steel, piano and clacking drum-rim percussion giving this song a loose-jointed sound that’s more don’t-care than full-on despair. “Dance of Love†is powered by an urgent shuffle beat, and the guitar-driven “Axe is Forever†suggests a ‘50s instrumental before McCauley’s vocal gives the song an early-‘70s edge. The closing “Straight into a Storm†is a ‘50s-styled rock ‘n’ roller recorded on-stage in Charlotte, NC, but without the sonic finesse of the group’s Daytrotter live session. You can hear Deer Tick’s greatness in the three studio tracks, but this is more a resting place for fans waiting on the band’s next full length than an introduction. Those unfamiliar with the band’s catalog should start with their two full length albums. [©2009 hyperbolium dot com] 