What I dig about a well-done rock doc is the intimate look into the often volatile growth and progression of a group of friends and colleagues, each with their own motivations, goals, and self-perceptions.
Straight Into A Storm gives a close personal look into the development of eccentric singer-songwriter, John McCauley and other various members of Deer Tick over the last decade. As the band celebrates its 10th anniversary and the new release of Deer Tick Vol. 1 and Deer Tick Vol. 2, director William Miller thoughtfully sews together home and on-the-road footage, concert footage, and various interviews to create a story of triumph within the realms of cult fame, personal growth, and professional respect amongst their musical peers and community.
The film testifies to the prodigious musical talent of John McCauley, watching him grow from a teenager performing in living rooms and apartments, to large stadiums and events including Coachella and South by Southwest. But no matter the venue, McCauley has always been able to possess his audience with his varied performances. Varied in the sense that in one song, his grating voice might take over as he jumps into the crowd, and the next, he knocks everyone out with a calm, heartfelt, Dylan-esque acoustic number. The only way the band is not lost behind his charisma, especially in his early days of drugs, drinking, and nudity on stage is by being just as talented and with as much range as him. Luckily, he just happened to be friends with a bunch of talented guys.
All of the band members explain a sense of comfort in regards to their membership in Deer Tick. Christopher Dale Ryan was still able to pursue his higher-level musical ambitions while always returning to the band. His brother, Dennis and lead guitarist, Ian Patrick O’Neil were able to bring their own songwriting abilities to the band to pair with McCauley’s. As the band went through different players, eventually settling on star keyboardist Rob B. Crowell, their interviews in the documentary show them baring great respect for their former bandmates, far from any resentment or bitterness. This has always been a band of friends from its first conception in a little neighborhood in Rhode Island. As for the 4 years since they released their last album, McCauley comments jokingly that “they just kind of got comfortable away from each other.” It seems they had grown so much together that even the silence is comfortable, and there is something admirable in such an enduring friendship.
Not only is this a look at Deer Tick, the indie folk-rock band, it is also a look into how to successfully grow up as a musician in middle America and remain sane…
As far as cinematic storytelling, Miller and co-editor Chris Lechler have a few strokes of genius. They brilliantly cut together multiple performances of the bands’ songs over many years, creating a juxtaposition of the band’s growth over time. Struggles with drugs, the development of styles, and stage performances of various levels of playful anarchy and quiet tranquility are easily offered up for audience observation and allow for unique insight.
While it might be fair to say that not all audience members will be familiar with Deer Tick’s story going into the film, after seeing Straight Into A Storm, they will have gained a perspective that has previously been reserved for the band’s close friends and lifelong groupies. William Miller has proven himself to be a gifted rock documentary filmmaker with a keen eye and desire to share the stories of great musicians. Not only is this a look at Deer Tick, the indie folk-rock band, it is also a look into how to successfully grow up as a musician in middle America and remain sane; how to allow yourself to change with life experiences while holding close the traits and values that are most important to who you are. It’s a touching story of a fun bunch of talented friends fronted by a gracious, wacky prodigy, who credits his peers for his success. And whose peers turn around and toss the credit back to his enormous stage presence and artistic ability. Hopefully, the journey of musical progression will continue for a group that deserves much success.
‘Straight Into A Storm’ is not rated. 110 minutes.
