Deerhunter takes on NYC

Normally, when a band is as insanely buzzed as Deerhunter, we tend to shy away. As Chuck D once taught us, "Don't believe the hype." Far too often, obscenely talked-about groups just can't live up to their own press, leading to the inevitable letdown upon actual listening. But take our word for it: Deerhunter is the real deal. We stock the band's self-titled debut, the gorgeously noisy full-length from early this year, Cryptograms, and the most recent EP, all with good reason. This is a young Atlanta band tapping into a certain intangible something, and when it comes to producing that something live or on record, the result is stunning to say the least.

On July 11th, amidst a short set of tour dates (they play the Pitchfork festival in Chicago tomorrow), the band played at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City. This isn't the first time Deerhunter's been to NYC, but it seems to be the most memorable. A writer for MTV called the evening "unforgettable," further gushing, "It was one of the most genius rock and roll performances I've ever witnessed." The Village Voice was similarly impressed claiming the show was "one of those moments you see wrinkly faces recalling in Behind the Music."

It's exciting to be part of such a vibrant, up-and-coming music scene. With bands like Deerhunter, Black Lips, Snowden and Manchester Orchestra making a dent across the nation, one can only hope that other excellent Atlanta artists like The Selmanaires, Rising Appalachia, Anna Kramer, Silver Lakes and countless others will get some attention as well. Don't take this for granted, folks. It's a great time to live in the Atlanta area.

Here are some additional Deerhunter links for extra credit:
Deerhunter on MySpace
Deerhunter's blog
Cryptograms on Metacritic
Paste's photos from the Bowery Ballroom show
Kranky Records