Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity (Album)
» Deerhoof hit Australia for the first time - December 5, 2005
Deerhoof’s latest release Friend Opportunity confirms this band as the artsy fartsy performers they so proudly are, and by no means is this a criticism, although you can’t help but judge when the press release uses phrases like “symphonic conception”! But I digress. This is a band whose foundation is based on experimental pop, and fortunately for Deerhoof, their style is very listenable.
Friend Opportunity has a bit of everything. Opening track, 'The Perfect Me', kick starts this, at times, challenging album. Come on, any band that features the wooden block as the main beat keeper can’t be all that bad! Satomi Matsuzaki’s sweet and almost child like vocals really drawer you in, it’s hard to fight the impulse to chair dance!
Deerhoof certainly like to mix it up taking you along with them on their musical roller coaster. Each track is so different from the previous. From the 80’s inspired 'Matchbook Seeks Maniac', to the slightly annoying '+81', Deerhoof keep you guessing about their next musical move.
'Kidz Are So Small', although a correct observation on the bands part, is possibly the most incoherent and pointless recording on this album. I want my 1:59 back please. With indecipherable lyrics such as “If I were a dog and you a man/I’d throw a fit for you” and not forgetting the chorus of (sing-a-long if you know it) “oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh/ba de dito/ta ta ta”
This was my first meeting with Deerhoof. With my preconceived judgments of an indie-prog, experimental post modernist band in tow, I was surprised to find I actually enjoyed this album. It’s not necessarily going to be on high rotation for me, but I’m glad Friend Opportunity and I have crossed paths. Fans will love it.
