What makes Emotional Contracts by Deer Tick notable?

Emotional Contracts received critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and mature themes, drawing positive reviews from outlets like NPR and Rolling Stone. It helped solidify Deer Tick's status as a significant voice in contemporary alternative rock and showcased their ability to tackle complex emotional narratives, contributing to the band's enduring influence in the genre. When Deer Tick released Emotional Contracts in June 2016, they were navigating a period of artistic evolution following their 2013 album Negativity. This album marked a return to a more introspective sound after experimenting with various genres and styles in their previous work. The band was also re-establishing their identity after lineup changes that had shaped their recent musical direction.

Who is Emotional Contracts for?

Emotional Contracts works well if you're into reflective moments of quiet introspection, melancholic melodies for rainy days and earnest storytelling with emotional depth.

How many songs are on Emotional Contracts?

Emotional Contracts has 10 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Emotional Contracts

Deer Tick · 2016

40 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A reflective blend of alternative rock infused with poignant lyrics and a raw, unfiltered emotionality.

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Top tracks — play these first

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If I Try to Leave — This opening track encapsulates the album's theme of grappling with personal struggles, presenting a haunting melody that sets the emotional tone for the record.
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Forgiving Ties — With its eloquent exploration of reconciliation and acceptance, this track highlights the band’s lyrical maturity and showcases their knack for storytelling.
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Running From Love — This song stands out for its infectious rhythm and candid lyrics about the complexities of love and avoidance, making it a relatable anthem for many listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and emotional depth, though it follows familiar alternative rock patterns.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a mid-tempo pace with layered instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a more stripped-down arrangement featuring acoustic guitar.
Several tracks feature a call-and-response vocal style, where the lead singer alternates lines with backing vocals, enhancing the emotional delivery.
The album closes with two tracks that gradually slow down, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier energy.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

reflective moments of quiet introspection
melancholic melodies for rainy days
earnest storytelling with emotional depth
thoughtful listening during solitude
cathartic release through heartfelt lyrics

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy party tracks
prefer instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context: When Deer Tick released Emotional Contracts in June 2016, they were navigating a period of artistic evolution following their 2013 album Negativity. This album marked a return to a more introspective sound after experimenting with various genres and styles in their previous work. The band was also re-establishing their identity after lineup changes that had shaped their recent musical direction.
Stylistic neighbors: The Avett Brothers· Band of Horses· My Morning Jacket