Eric M. Stobie 2008-01-27

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

I stopped trying to describe Deerhoof to people some time ago "Well, there's this lead singer. She's Japanese and sings about very odd things. The music is a cornucopia of sound. I can't say they lean towards any one music genre. And their songs seem to sometimes drift.And...oh screw it never mind". The two that get me from this album are "The Perfect Me" and "+81". Like your music unpredictable? Japanese singers with lyrics as unpredictable as the music? Then you have a winner. However, if you have no sense of adventure in music, stay away.

Stargrazer 2007-12-27

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

In a not-so-subtle shift from recent albums, Deerhoof's "Friend Opportunity" takes their manic sprawl and concentrates it into fairly concise songs that still contain the spiky mutant J-pop sensibilities of likemindeds and predecessors such as Cibo Matto or maybe even The Go! Team. Beginning with a 1-2-3 blast of weirdly catchy, schizophrenically united songs that leave you a bit breathless, the rest of the album unfolds like a pop-up book for recovering avant-rock junkies. "Matchbook Seeks Maniac" could have come from the insular Marxist minds of Broadcast if not for its slightly unhinged chorus. The shimmery intro to album closer "Look Away" takes its time to unfold into lost satellite tones and cascades of distorted guitar a la Glenn Branca, a slow-morphing improvisatory piece that reads like shy, sly post-modern sculpture. From "Cast Off Crown's" delirious "Reveille"-era guitars to the goofy "Kidz Are So Small," "Friend Opportunity" is indeed Deerhoof wildly throwing sonic candy around in hopes it'll seek-and-destroy new, unconverted ears.

maeksevhin 2007-11-11

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

I was very much looking forward to this CD, and even skipped class to go and buy it the day it came out. I had downloaded and listened to +81 when they released it online and loved the song, still do. However, I think this CD as a whole was very disappointing. Independently, most of the songs are fun and catchy, and a much more mature Deerhoof. But the album itself is just not cohesive, it doesn't fit together. I think the big reason for this is the inclusion of "Look Away" as basically the second half (last third actually) of the album. Like I said, the songs are fun and catchy, but they only last 20 minutes, and then they added on this 11 minute rambling guitar jam. It breaks the mood set by the first 9 songs, and to be honest, I just don't think that the album has the energy of previous releases.

If this is your first foray into Deerhoof, I'd recommend one of their earlier albums, The Runners Four is what did it for me. This is by no means a bad album, it just isn't that great.

(They're currently offering downloads on their website which include an abridged version of Look Away titled "Look Away Pt. 2", I think it is much better than the album version, look it up)

Hieronymous D 2007-08-28

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

There is really nothing like Deerhoof: they are very nearly a genre unto themselves.

There's a kind of schtick to many of their songs that's actually quite simple, but somehow in their capable, curious hands, it never really gets old. That schtick is the juxtaposition of Satomi's sweet, almost child-like, innocent voice, sandwiched between a wall of lacerating guitar peals from John Dieterich and perhaps the most inspired drummer currently alive, the utterly ferocious yet gracious Greg Saunier. This trio combines to make unexpected choices that are hard to predict even after you've already heard the album.

But it isn't experimentation merely for the sake of being shocking or different. It's melodic ... it's more like cramming several songs into one. In a way Deerhoof sounds like hyperactive children with incredible imaginations, too bored by the standard verse/chorus/verse structure to stick with it for a whole song.

On this album they are perhaps slightly more conventional than on previous releases, but the results are no less inspired and there is certainly no compromise here. The opening track, "The Perfect Me" belongs right up there with the best the band has ever recorded. They apparently used some kind of special equipment to get the full, thundering sound of this song and it paid off big time. It's like a pinball machine going full tilt in your head. Deerhoof try on some new hats on this album, venturing into a quasi-ballad with "Whither the Invisible Birds?" and even tiptoeing into hip-hop with the delightfully strange and irregular-time "Kidz Are So Small."

I love this band because they are totally unafraid of taking chances; they do whatever the hell they want, and if they succeed or fail, it's on their terms. The only disappointment for me is the last track, "Look Away," which just feels too long for what it accomplishes. The album really deserves four and a half stars owing to that weak link, but the band's great anyways, so five stars it is.

Pick it up and turn it up.

Chris G. 2007-03-30

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Deerhoof is a indie trio on the Kill Rock Stars label; and definately an absolute joyous Blast of chaotic Bliss to listen to. Heavy and experimental w/ Satomi's charming Japanese voice.
Singing "Cryout....Cryouut...-through a whirlwind of heavy storm wall-wall guitar thrash - "The Perfect Me"
Although I do prefer their earlier releases like Reveille, Runner's Four and Milkman it seems like with "Friend Opportunity" - Deerhoof is searching closer to a more pop FRIEND-ly accessible album, a bit of a change and in some ways they just keep getting better and better with this more cohesive work.
Deerhoof started as a band in 1994; and features lead singer Satomi Matsuzaki who also plays bass- a sweet & beatiful Japanese voice, John Dieterich on guitar, and drummer Greg Saunier.
FRIEND OPPORTUNITY, released on Jan. 23 2007 & is Deerhoof's newest and "poppiest" (but still heavy)effort to date. And their 8th full-length, with 10 short tracks clocking in at 36 minutes. The band recently toured w/ Radiohead. Other tour-mates in past times include Wilco, The Roots, and Sonic Youth.
The songs are more infectious than ever. More simple - but still complex compared to many other bands; but Deerhoof is more experimental and chaotic w/ sweet childlike vocals. This album's cover art is done by Scottish artist: David Shrigley, along with 11 other covers inside (by him as well). My favorite song is "Believe E.S.P." - Start-stop rockin' dance tune and to me one of their best. If you like Deerhoof (even if you don't) & you haven't heard this - Check it out!