Fast on the heels of last year's re-release of their debut full-length, War Elephant, Deer Tick are back with Born on Flag Day. Lead single "Easy" rides on plenty of the jangly energy and gravelly vocals that are quickly forming themselves into the band's trademark sound. The sinister build at the beginning of the song eases us into the chaotic roots blast that is to come, and when the song bares its tobacco-stained teeth, it's hard not to get hooked. But it is the weight of Christopher Dale Ryan's bass that holds the devilish mood here and makes this song rumble steadily, instead of running away with its wild-man eccentricities. I'm not sure how a band from Rhode Island, of all places, can so earnestly sling this kind of whiskey-soaked rock, but Deer Tick does it well.

Born on Flag Day will be out June 23 on Partisan.