Deerhoof Reinvent Sound, Fight Evil
By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 8, 2011 4:00PM
Chances are you’ve already heard samples of Deerhoof’s latest album, Deerhoof vs. Evil. The album was released in the States two weeks ago, but the band leaked the entire album one track at a time from October until its January release through various websites - a creative marketing move to match their avant-garde approach to music.
With 11 albums under their belt, the band seems to reinvent itself with each new release. Their 2007 album Friend Opportunity, showed the band shifting away from electronic melodies and toward guitar-driven art-rock. And Offend Maggie, released in 2008, relied almost entirely on the synergy and texture of double guitars (likely an effect of the addition of guitarist Ed Rodriguez). Now two years later, the release of their 11th album Deerhoof vs. Evil shows the band shifting focus again, this time finding a harmonious balance between psych-pop and riff rock.
The first song leaked back in October, “The Merry Barracks,” is a solid example of the album’s overall sound, blending whimsical synth with grinding guitar riffs to create an off-kilter pop-rock melody that’s both dark and playful. Greg Saunier and Satomi Matsuzaki share vocal duties, delivering the same sort of repetitive lyrical phrases they’ve had a habit of overusing in past albums. Perhaps our favorite track, though, is “Super Duper Rescue Heads!” It opens with a dazzling synth beat that halts as Matsuzaki chimes in with delicate, cutesy vocals, singing catchy hooks like “Hello, hello, you lucky so and so”. The song twists and turns before ending in a whir of distorted guitar and psychedelic synth sounds.
Deerhoof are currently touring the States in support of the new album and will be making a stop in Chicago next Tuesday, February 15 at the Bottom Lounge. They’ll be bringing along tour mates Ben Butler & Mouse Pad, a UK prog-rock duo that recently released their debut album, Formed For Fantasy. Also on the bill is local rock act D. Rider.
Deerhoof plays Tuesday, February 15 at the Bottom Lounge, 1375 W Lake, 9 p.m., $15, 17+