Concert Thu Jun 14 2012

Review: Deer Tick @ Metro, 6/9

By Sarah Brooks

Something was building in intensity Saturday night at the Metro: a raucous, debauchery laden atmosphere that communicated to everyone in the place, this concert is going to be a celebratory event. Though my spirits were briefly defeated by the standard concertgoers that somehow manage to find their way right next to me at each show, from the individuals who became far too intoxicated before the show to the point that I'm pretty sure the woman next to me fell asleep standing up, or the unknowingly tone deaf man behind me who insisted on singing every word to each song, the Metro's lively atmosphere was translated from the stage, as each band who played a set brought a dynamic, energized presence to the Metro, allowing me to forget what was going on around me.

First to play a set was group Scott Lucas & The Married Men. The band contrasted with the casual concertgoers, as they appeared wearing coordinated and dressy attire. This complimented their sound; with loud, powerful bass riffs, and sounds suitable for a stadium audience, Scott Lucas & The Married Men brought the energy to the Metro and kept it coming. Highlights of their set included dropping in segments from The Beatles number "I've Got A Feeling," and their end ballad which featured a lengthy, dark guitar solo and lead singer Scott Lucas wailing into the mic.

Turbo Fruits then took the stage; boasting a much more casual appearance, Jonas Stein, the lead singer of the group, sauntered onto the stage in a trucker hat and t-shirt. Their opening number took them into a frenzy, and I'm unsure if I've ever seen a group that loves to emphatically whip their hair as they play tunes as much as these guys. They rocked out the Metro with their bold, frenetic songs. With a sound that I describe as Arctic Monkeys meet Wolfmother, their music caused the Metro floor to rumble as concertgoers focused in, head banging and dancing along with the group. "Volcano," a darker, slower rock number, caused all eyes to be on the band, as impressive guitar solos and the band's unique stage presence continued a wonderful show.

Last to emerge onstage was Deer Tick themselves, though this was lead singer John McCauley's third time appearing this evening. He made one-song appearances in both the sets of Scott Lucas & The Married Men and Turbo Fruits, presenting himself as the down-to-earth, spontaneity-loving artist he is. Large marquee lights spelling out Deer Tick were oriented on the stage, resembling a sign that belonged in Vegas more than being located on tour with an alternative folk band, yet the lights truly symbolize the essence and allure of Deer Tick. Their eccentricities are truly fascinating, and present a group that is never boring, but constantly reviving their identity.

McCauley stepped on stage in a bright pink suit jacket, and immediately started into the opening lines of song "Ashamed." Next up was "The Bump," crowd favorite, which had everyone's hands pumping high in the air and concertgoers wailing along with McCauley to the point where he was barely audible over the crowd during the chorus lines, "We're full grown men / But we act like kids / We'll face the music / Next time we roll in." Traditionally acoustic number "Baltimore Blues No. 1" was replaced with a more electric, high-octane sound. McCauley crooned out "Clownin Around" during the set, when he emphatically belted, "I breezed through this Windy City," much to the joy of cheering concertgoers. A notable moment occurred when Deer Tick covered The Replacements ballad "Kiss Me On The Bus," and the show continued with powerhouse numbers such as "Funny Word," which kept the Metro focused in on its folk rock music party atmosphere until the last song was played.

The show was wonderful, and each of the three groups brought lively, dynamic sets that both contrasted and contributed to the other's sound, turning the Metro into a head banging, singing at the top of your lungs, wild concert experience.