A lot’s been said about Deer Tick’s “transformation” over the past year or so, as leader John McCauley continues to be honest and frank about the inspiration behind the band’s new record. Turbulence and change in McCauley’s family, his romantic relationships, and his life choices as a raucous, storied star echo throughout Negativity.

Deer Tick’s last show at The Firebird. They play there again on Sunday.

The album reveals a road-seasoned band of brothers growing up and into their self-defined gritty rock ‘n roll. McCauley’s focus and drive shines, but Deer Tick has not suddenly become your grandpa’s favorite band. Controlled chaos is now the name of the game; if Divine Providence was DT’s sloppy-fun frat party, Negativity is their night at a whiskey bar.

On Sunday at 3:30pm, Deer Tick will play a very special, stripped down performance at Vintage Vinyl in Delmar prior to their 8:30pm show at Firebird. IWTAS is thrilled to be welcoming the guys to town along with VV. So if you plan on attending the in-store, have we got a deal for you!!!:

— Leave us a comment below and share your favorite memory that involves a Deer Tick song or show.

— We’ll choose a winning comment from the selection below, and buy the author of that comment a fresh, vinyl copy of Negativity from Vintage and put it in your hot little hands at the in-store on Sunday. (See? You gotta show up to get the prize.)

— The contest closes whenever we remember to check this post over the weekend, but definitely before, like, 2pm on Sunday. 

THIS COULD BE YOURS.

Until then, enjoy this August 2013 Tick performance at KDHX’s studio with Vanessa Carlton, who guests on Negativity: