The October-November issue of Relix includes a feature on Deer Tick, whose new studio album, Negativity, was released yesterday. Since the story of recording Negativity was so intense, we decided to spend a random afternoon group-texting with Ian O’Neil and John McCauley to see what the band’s lighter side looks like. We found out… well, at least we found out where to buy a new rug. And never to trust a toilet seat.

Relix: Where are you guys at now?

John McCauley: On our way to STL.

Relix: U ever been to the City Museum there? It’s not really a museum at all – it’s a giant-interactive art installation from a nuts-eccentric. Crazy-amazing.

McCauley: No, I’m more of a foodie than an art guy honestly. Exited for Sidney Street Caf?? tonight.

McCauley: Ian’s not getting these texts btw

McCauley: Which is sorta good ‘cause we can talk shit about him

Relix: Haha I’ll fix that but you should tell me the weirdest thing about touring with him first

McCauley: He pees on the toilet seat all the time. We share a hotel room usually. It’s terrible!

Jeff added Ian Oneil 2 to the group

Relix: Your publicist needs your new phone number

Ian O’Neil: I guess it recently changed. I destroyed my old phone and number along with it.

Relix: Why’d you destroy your phone?

O’Neil: That’s a weird story. A combination of tequila and to do something that would have consequences? I was thinking clearly haha. My girlfriend thinks it goes deeper, but I was happy to do it!

O’Neil: And then I swam with my iPhone so now I have a second hand iPhone. I don’t have reliable relationships with phones.

Relix: Ha, clearly.

Relix: Getting rid of a cellphone number is the modern equivalent of disappearing completely in a way.

McCauley: I’m tempted to change my number

McCauley: I want 666 in it

O’Neil: At this moment or in the future? Haha

O’Neil: You’re envious of my 9966?

John McCauley: No way

O’Neil: You should try 9966ing

McCauley: Two naked, spooning couples facing away from each other on the same bed?

O’Neil: It sounds very sweet.

O’Neil: Anyways, where are you located Jeff?

Relix: I’m in SF for Outside Lands this weekend but usually LA. I saw you guys at the echoplex. John was trashed. You played “School”. I went nuts.

McCauley: Oh yeah, I don’t remember most of that show. I think I fell off the stage. Whoops.

O’Neil: That was a fun/rough show. School’s huge w 3 guitars. Any interesting bands at Outside Lands?

Relix: I unabashedly love Paul McCartney so Im psyched to see him tonight. NIN tomorrow. Lots of the standard fest bands this year: vamp weekend, Phoenix, rhcp, etc.

Relix: Some good small acts too. And of course hall and oates. Is that ironic or not?

McCauley: I [smiley alien with hearts on the eyes emogi] NIN

O’Neil: I’d love to see NIN and Sir Paul McCartney.

O’Neil: Weren’t we talking about doing Closer?

Relix: The vid I’ve seen of the new NIN is amazing. It’s basically electronic ‘stop making sense’.

O’Neil: I love hall and Oates with absolute sincerity.

McCauley: I guess I like them OK.

O’Neil: What’s stop making sense

John McCauley: Talking heads, dingus

O’Neil: Couldn’ve been anything, a hole.

John McCauley: It could have been a hole.

O’Neil: Jeff, do you know what property in artificially flavored mint gum would make your beverage seem colder?

Relix: Man, I wish. I’ve thought that mint soda would be refreshing for years.

McCauley: I love mint shit.

McCauley: And basil.

O’Neil: I believe there’s a mint flavored seltzer by Polar

McCauley: Really?

O’Neil: I made mint, strawberry, and basil jam.

O’Neil: They do crazy ass limited runs only available at job lot

McCauley: I bought a lemon & milk soda at job lot

O’Neil: Hahaha great store! I bought a walking stick there as well.

Relix: Wtf is job lot? Sounds like shakedown street at bible camp.

O’Neil: A discount store in RI. It’s great.

Relix: Walking stick + lemon and milk soda sounds like something for everyone.

O’Neil: I buy all of my rugs there as well.

Relix: Your… Diamond Rugs? I apologize for that.

O’Neil: Or Drugs?

Relix: How long before most interviewers ask about drugs?

O’Neil: Depending on the talent and journalistic integrity of the interviewer, it varies.

Relix: I’ll wait another 20 texts then.

Ian Oneil 2: Hahaha. Talk to you later.