I write about random things a lot. I write a lot about random things. Did you know that Deer Tick, an indie folk band from Rhode Island, are also sometimes Deervana, which is perhaps the most revered Nirvana tribute band in America?

I'd wager that first impressions have a lot to do with the positive response that the band — formed by John McCauley and later joined by Christopher Dale Ryan, Dennis Ryan, Ian O'Neil and Rob Crowell — has enjoyed since they first played a Nirvana set. Certainly, few would expect such a transformation when the band is widely described as folk, blues and country.

But a grand transformation it was, even leading to a now-infamous gig at the Lustre Pearl in Austin, Texas as the last act on the last night of the annual SXSW Festival. It also provided direction, because it helped McCauley to recognize that the band wasn't being completely represented by their catalogue.

I'd also wager that the experience had an impact on Divine Providence, Deer Tick's fourth studio album in only five years and a look deep into the heart of raucous roll.

"After so many years of critics praising (and making fun of) us for our 'folk' and 'country' sounds, and hardly ever mentioning the fact that we've also recorded virtually dozens of other kinds of music, we wanted to make a record that was truer to our live set: raw, loud, heartfelt and completely uninterested in whatever the hell the rest of the music industry is up to," said McCauley. "The results are unlike anything you've heard on a Deer Tick album."

True to word, the album bounces and bumps with all the twang and abandon of a band in the studio without an agenda. "I've got a lust for life," McCauley croons as the record begins, and non-ironically; the album quickly takes on a life of its own as the band coaxes a sense of timelessness into the songs — this is the kind of rock and roll that Bob Seger would love.

From the opening seconds of "The Bump", with its gritty thump and whiskey-soaked call and answer, this album will grab your attention and hold it. "Let's All Go To The Bar" may be your favourite new drinking song, or perhaps "Main Street" will charm you with its garage sound and shimmering keys. The current single, "Miss K", is the album's closer, though the album flows so smoothly that it will be the fastest 45 minutes you spend on anything all day.

Divine Providence may only be removed from the other Deer Tick albums by a year, but it represents the first batch of truly new Deer Tick material in years; after their debut record was released in 2008 by Partisan Records, the band underwent an ambitious 20-day marathon recording session that resulted in enough material for their next two albums — 2009's Born On Flag Day and 2010's The Black Dirt Sessions.

This new album sees Deer Tick in their most natural setting, emulating the energy and spirit behind their live set. They're loud and they're unapologetic, they're brash and fun, they're the Ramones and the Bangles and the E Street Band and they're spectacular.

Here in Canada, the album was released last week in digital stores, and will be released next week in physical formats everywhere. This record also marks the band's first release here on Dine Alone Records, who are still steadily growing the amount of talent on their roster.

Though their current tour won't bring them to London, Deer Tick are performing in Toronto on November 16 at Lee's Palace. For more information on Deer Tick, their latest LP and their tour, visit deertickmusic.com or follow them on Twitter @deertickmusic.

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