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:
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