Deer Tick, These United States & Jonny Corndawg played Maxwell's (pics)

words & photos by Tracy Allison

Last night (7/19) Jonny Corndawg, These United States, and Deer Tick played a sold out show at Maxwell's in Hoboken, New Jersey (the first date of many for Deer Tick on a month-long summer tour). The crowd packed into the approximately 200-person venue was treated to three hours of lively and enthusiastic performances.

The evening began around 9 p.m. with a set from Jonny Corndawg. Like they did recently on a boat, the members of Deer Tick (including newest member, Rob Crowell) played backup for Corndawg who jumped and danced around the stage throughout his 30 minute set that included songs like "Shaved Like A Razor", "Family Tree", and "Shut up".

Not long after Corndawg left the stage, These United States appeared and played a phenomenal set consisting mostly of songs from their new album What Lasts, which drops today. Lead singer Jesse Elliott hopped off the stage twice to dance amongst the crowd, and took a moment to express the band's gratitude for having the opportunity to play with Deer Tick. This was the last show These United States will be playing on the East Coast until their return to Mercury Lounge on August 28th.

Deer Tick took the stage once again at 10 p.m. and played a 2 hour, 16 song set made up of songs from their three albums War Elephant, Born on Flag Day, and The Black Dirt Sessions. Additionally, they played covers of the MG&V songs "Me, Me, Me", and "Middle Brother". Corndawg joined in on the latter (which he co-wrote). Guitarist Ian O'Neil took over lead vocals for the songs "Hope is Big" and "Maybellene", a Chuck Berry cover which has become a staple in the band's recent performances. Towards the end of the show, audience members began shouting out requests for Chris Ryan to play bass solo. While he opted out of the spotlight, drummer Dennis Ryan (joined by Robby Cosenza of These United States) gladly jumped to the front of the stage, and, with three microphones in hand, sang a very passionate rendition of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On". One witness to the event said, "It was the best cover of any song, ever."

Deer Tick will play Webster Hall on August 13th with help from Delta Spirit's Matt Vasquez. More pictures from Maxwell's below...