“If you don’t have a ticket, you ain’t getting in tonight,” proclaimed the burly bouncer at the door of the sold out Bowery Ballroom last Saturday night.

Starting the evening off was the white-faced-but-naked-to-the-waist, duo of the Awesome New Republic. With their indie cover versions of Thriller and Eye of the Tiger, they held the crowd’s attention as they waited for the New Deal to appear. Finally with the lights going low Darren Shearer appeared on the stage and announced, “Thanks everyone for coming out tonight, you always make this place feel like home” and you knew something was about to go down.

For the first time since December ‘06, Darren, Jamie Shields, and Dan Kurtz put aside their other projects and returned to the Bowery stage with their original livetronica sound. With quick hand gestures, subtle eye movements, and an uncanny ability to improv, The New Deal weaved the jams through a handful of songs and teases during their two sets. The crowd responded with yells of encouragement, fist pumping, and grinding to the beat, while shaking the dance floor and bar below.

READ ON for more of Jeremy’s review and photos from the Bowery Ballroom…

After a quick set break the band transitioned into the trance before breaking out with a Shields keyboard solo, G-Nome, Darren’s beatboxing and finally an encore of Technobeam to close out the night. Watching them you get the sense that they really enjoy playing music with friends and family. Whether it’s Dan and his wife in Dragonette, or Jamie, Darren, and their assorted friends in The Join or The Omega Moos (who will play a Rocks Off Concert Cruise on July 27) their enthusiasm is contagious and keeps the fans coming back for more.

The New Deal heads out to Colorado for two gigs this weekend, and returns to the New York area for their annual spot at Camp Bisco.

Let’s check out some more photos, starting with a few of the opening act: Awesome New Republic…

the New Deal: