Deer Tick - Born On Flag Day
23 June 2009
Partisan Records
Review by Rachel Coppenhaver

Deer Tick's second full-length album Born on Flag Day sees the vision of founder John McCauley fully realized. Now it is a complete four member ensemble, as opposed to the first album War Elephant, in which McCauley played every instrument. The Providence, RI folk rock band comes out in full force on Flag Day and delivers an album with skill well beyond their years.
The band truly makes things sound "Easy" from the very first song. The opening track begins with a minute of instrumental buildup before McCauley's raspy voice takes on the strong vocals. Liz Isenberg helps out on "Friday xii" with her sweet, relaxed voice complimenting the harsher sound of McCauley's beautifully. This duet is one of the best tracks on the album.
Deer Tick has strong support from the new permanent band members with talents Chris Ryan, Andrew Tobianssen, and Dennis Ryan on bass, guitar, and drums, respectively. Other standout tracks include "Houston, TX" and "The Ghost" which both have wonderful folk rhythm. Even when the band slows things down such as on "Song About A Man", they do not disappoint. The album ends with the hidden track "Goodnight, Irene" recording in a relaxed atmosphere complete with the band talking and laughing in the background.
Born on Flag Day comes after a long two years of touring in support of the debut album and a show at SXSW this year. The band continues this year with another heavy tour schedule including shows with Jenny Lewis and Dawes, as well as the Austin City Limits Festival and the Joshua Tree Roots Music Festival.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/deertick
Official Site: http://www.deertickmusic.com