Deer Tick - War Elephant

What ever happened to the songwriter? Are they falling behind the curtain of the "band", a collective unwillingness to speak too loudly for fear of who's nerves you might scratch or an inflated ego taking over? Is it because we've lost the willingness to write with our voices and chosen to speak universally instead? Are we too concerned with leaving songs far and wide open so that EVERYONE might find something to relate to? What is left to wonder and marvel at when writing so commonly? I haven't an answer for any of these questions, but I have found an anomaly. A band of musicians by the name of Deer Tick. The voice behind the band laments in a brutally honest manner over the complicated times, helpless desires and revenant faults that make him all too human, but more than that, the band is a living and breathing thing that excites the senses. Each musician seems to play a lovingly creative hand, making it a detailed and pained but celebratory look at things. I don't think anyone can feel as empowered and alive as when listening to 'These Old Shoes' and placing our hearts in the hands of this simple but high flying tale of beautiful determination. Hailed as an other worldly return of country western fare, I think I will go well out of my way to see these boys play when the opportunity arises.