With America, we can add “thoughtful” and “poignant” to the mix. A bundle of goofy energy in a Technicolor Cosby sweater, Deacon long felt like the class clown who would never threaten to grow up especially in Spiderman of the Rings and Meetle Mice. There was some growth in 2009’s Bromst, to be sure, but here, he really becomes an artist to be reckoned with.
Opener “Guilford Avenue Bridge” is as frantic as Deacon’s music has ever been, but held back when and where it needs to be. It’s followed by “True Thrush,” the most accessible and gorgeous track he’s ever composed. “Lots” and “Crash Jam” amp things back up, before Deacon moves into the “USA” suite, inspired by his touring across the country. It’s sweeping and inspiring.
Most striking is how natural America feels. Most artists struggle to grow and mature with age; Deacon shows it’s been in him all along.
Deacon plays a free show 9 p.m. Saturday at Opolis. For more information, visit opolis.org. —Joshua Boydston
This article appears in Oct 3-9, 2012.