“F**kin’ Mondays” - John McCauley, the force of nature serenades the audience for coming out on a school night, raises his glass of whiskey or some other beverage, this is the beginning of a night of blistering rock n’ roll.

Deer Tick is here, in the UK to support American rock outfit Gaslight Anthem, but this occasion headlining a new venue within a newish venue. Brooklyn Bowl is a bowling alley and restaurant, which accompanies a wonderful looking American-esque music establishment.

First of all, if you decide to check out a band at the bowl in North Greenwich, I must inform you to try their Southern Fried Chicken, accompanied with a chocolate malt that you can order from their restaurant, you won’t be sorry!

Showing off musical skills with the occasional interaction with the crowd and today we are informed that it is Dennis Ryan’s birthday; a rendition of happy birthday by one and all begins that doesn’t stop there. John McCauley likes to gamble with his pal, Tim; they place bets, whoever loses has to take the other to wherever they want to go. Last time John won, so Tim had to take John to Africa. This time John lost, he has to save up to take Tim to Antarctica.....(as you do!)

Their set was peppered with some really powerful guitar solos where Ian and John fought like stags to reign supreme, these were particularly effective during track ‘Twenty Miles’ which is a highly polished track, its lyrics portraying real feelings of emotion by all of the band members.

“I’ve got nothing to look forward to, cos I killed all the flowers” mournfully belts out John McCauley, the band leads us in to ‘Dirty Dishes’. Ian O’Neill takes on lead vocals for ‘Now It’s your turn’. Drummer and birthday boy Dennis Ryan leads the proceedings on ‘Thyme’ which was a thought provoking and deep song that sent shivers down the spine of this reviewer.

There’s no doubt these five guys from Montreal have an abundance of charisma that matches their talent, the venue was half full but the band rocked the joint like it was packed to the rafters. “Yes we’re full grown men but we act like kids”, chants the catchy chorus from ‘The Bump’. To finish things off, an encore consisted of John McCauley playing a section of Nirvana’s ‘Heart Shaped Box’ before linking into ‘Not So Dense’. The last song of the evening was ‘Ashamed’ “I should have been an angel, but I’m too dumb to speak”, sang McCauley.

If like me, you had never seen or heard of Deer Tick before, then this is a band you need to see, add them to your bucket list of gigs, the reason? not only can they all play and sing, they have such fun whilst doing so, their smiles and general attitude is so contagious, as are their songs!

Deer Tick are the main support act for The Gaslight Anthem for the November leg of their tour, this includes a date at the Alexandra Palace on November 19. Dates below:

Nov 17 – Manchester – Apollo*
Nov 18 – Manchester – Apollo*
Nov 19 – London – Alexandra Palace*
Nov 21 – Edinburgh – Corn Exchange*
Nov 22 – Cardiff – Motorpoint Arena*
Nov 23 – Birmingham – O2 Academy*

*Supporting The Gaslight Anthem

www.deertickmusic.com