Deerhunter with Ducktails and Casino Versus Japan
I could easily have missed out on Deerhunter. I was privy to the praise and accolades given to them by my friends, but I never got around to listening to their music. Thankfully, though, I saw them completely steal the show when they opened for Spoon at the National several months ago. At that point, my interest was piqued. As soon as I heard that their fall tour to promote their latest album, Halcyon Digest, would include a Richmond date, I was eager to catch them once more.
Deerhunter with Ducktails and Casino Versus Japan
I could easily have missed out on Deerhunter. I was privy to the praise and accolades given to them by my friends, but I never got around to listening to their music. Thankfully, though, I saw them completely steal the show when they opened for Spoon at the National several months ago. At that point, my interest was piqued. As soon as I heard that their fall tour to promote their latest album, Halcyon Digest, would include a Richmond date, I was eager to catch them once more.
The four-piece from Atlanta, Georgia stumbled onstage to greet an enthusiastic audience at the Canal Club. After somewhat lackluster opening acts Ducktails and Casino versus Japan, everyone was really looking to have their socks knocked off. Deerhunter didn’t disappoint as they started their set with “Desire Lines,” easily my favorite tune off of the new album. In spite of expectations that might be generated by their style of music, there is a certain level of playfulness in Deerhunter’s live demeanor. Rather than just standing around looking cool, they have an entertaining dynamic that sets them apart from bands like Interpol. A lot of this is probably due to the fact that leader Bradford Cox does not shy away from interactions with the audience.
While Deerhunter’s recordings might have trouble connecting with listeners, they truly deliver the goods in a live setting. Without seeing them live, and being surrounded by their constantly building layers of reverb and noise, it’s impossible for a listener to get the full experience of their sound. The Downstairs Lounge at the Canal Club may not be the ideal sonic environment, but even in that room, Deerhunter’s overall dynamic came across very clearly and very well.
The set focused upon Halcyon Digest, but Deerhunter also played several cuts from earlier releases, such as Microcastle, Cryptograms and the EPs Flourescent Grey and Rainwater Cassette Exchange. Their energy level steadily escalated throughout the performance, reaching the climax with their appropriately chosen encore, “Wash Off.” Although they didn’t play quite every song I wanted to hear, I left the show feeling almost entirely satisfied. I know where I’ll be the next time Deerhunter comes to town.
