MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2007
Deerhoof was formed in 1994 by Greg Saunier and Rob Fisk (who actually came up with the name "Deerhoof"). Kill Rock Stars released the bands first 7", Return Of The Wood M'lady, the following year. In 1996, Satomi Matsuzaki moved from Tokyo to San Francisco and joined the band as Deerhoofs vocalist, completing the lineup that we see (and hear) today.
Experimental, lighthearted, and playful three of my favorite elements in life and music. These are the first three words that come to mind when hearing Deerhoofs latest album, Friend Opportunity. Some of the songs (especially "Whither the Invisible Birds?") remind me of sitting in a dark theatre and watching a middle school play - but here, the singer is actually in tune. Other tracks like "Kids Are So Small" and "Perfect Me" remind me of songs by Shonen Knife, YMCK, and Meta Crauau. With songs this playful, Im not surprised to hear that Satomis first experience with Deerhoof was singing into a strange microphone constructed out of paper mache and walkman headphones (I picture the colors to be fusia pink and mellow yellow-green with silver sparkles on it). Ill give them 3 gold stars and an A+ on the album. - Amylu Meneses
