Originating as the solo project of Grace Rowland, The Deer soon flourished into a full band and released their debut album, An Argument for Observation, in the opening months of 2013. Tragically, back-up singer Stephanie Bledsoe passed away shortly after the record was released, an experience which strengthened the bond within the band, and 2015’s On the Essence of the Indomitable Spirit was dedicated to her memory. 2016 saw the line-up solidify with Jesse Dalton, Michael McLeod, Alan Eckert, and Noah Jeffries joining Rowland, and Tempest & Rapture showed off a new direction in their sound.
Set for release on Keeled Scales this November, Do No Harm is the result of a band who have grown together, shared experience granting them an understanding of their strengths that leads to their most confident and skilled record yet. As the title suggests, the album is based around ideas of peace and communication, standing in opposition to much of American history and indeed that of Rowland’s own family. “Members of my family have served in the military for several generations,” she explains. “The United States has been at war since I was in high school, and it’s hard to see a way out as long as there is such a huge industry profit to be made from it.”
Drawing on family history (such as that of her paternal grandparents working for Bell Helicopter in Iran before the 1979 Revolution) as well as a plethora references (from 60s rock opera Hair to Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five), Do No Harm forms a considered and dedicated examination of conflict, as well as the common humanity which violence upends. If division is a product of distance and ignorance, then The Deer seek to close the gap, a peacemaking operation that attempts to connect the human experience once more.
Lead single and opening track ‘Confetti to the Hurricane’ sets the tone, blending the buoyant indie rock of Sun June with a country rock lyricism, Rowland’s vocals finding eddies of rhythm that range from languid to breathless. There’s an edge to the guitars too, flashing its teeth at opportune moments before slinking back below the surface.
[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=1791712464 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small track=182048329]
Do No Harm is out on the 1st November via Keeled Scales and you can pre-order it now.
Photo by Letitia Smith