The Bottom Line
The only way to describe the Bay Area's Deerhoof is to say they are unique and experimental much in the way of Blonde Redhead or Yo La Tengo -- but like those bands, they don't really sound like other bands, including those bands. Is that clear? Back with their eighth album Friend Opportunity, Deerhoof have created a sound that is both jarring and easy to sing along to, surprisingly exact and wildly surprising. Friend Opportunity is great pop music that'll spin you on your heels; experimental indie rock that'll inspire new ways of thinking; an odd listening experience that will never bore you. Check it out.
Pros
- Experiments without alienating
- Lurching, thrilling guitars
- A menagerie of interesting sounds
- But still with compelling melodies
- "Believe ESP." Oh, yeah. "Matchbook Seeks Maniac." Oh, yes.
Cons
- Vocals sometimes a bit whiny
- Some experiments -- like "Whither the Invisible Birds" -- lost me.
Description
- The album was release January 23, 2007.
- Deerhoof's last album was 2005's The Runners Four.
- Deerhoof are currently a three-piece made up of John Dieterich, Satomi Matsuzaki and Greg Saunier.
Guide Review - Deerhoof "Friend Opportunity"--Album Review
- The album begins with a driving, spunky back-beat of syncopated rhythms that are lilting and catchy, easy to enjoy.
- The first great track is "Believe ESP," which combines jaunty hooks and compelling melodies in a way that is original but enjoyable.
- The album does not shy away from surprises: the rambling, aggressive "Cast off Crown" following "Whither the Invisible Birds" will throw you off balance, but when "Kidz Are So Small" follows that, you'll be brought right back, singing along with the odd chorus: "If I were a men, and you a dog, I would throw a stick for you." Yes, I'd hope you would.
- But the genius of the album lies in the fact that, all together, it makes sense.
- It's an all-around progressive, enjoyable album that those with a taste for the "out-there" and the quirky are bound to enjoy.
