E. T. Higgins 2008-11-05

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

'offend maggie' is a truly involving collection of songs. definitely, one of the best cd's of 2008.
btw, if you have a stereo system that you want to challenge relating to highs and lows, this cd will do the job. excellently produced, i haven't heard a better sounding cd this year.

P. Cusick 2008-11-01

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Some Indie acts languish just below the line thanks to any number of clichés: bad luck, bad timing, bad manager - the list goes on. But some bands hover below the radar because, quite frankly, theirs is an acquired taste that precious few will ever discover to become part of a daily, nutritious, musical breakfast. For those who do not, it is indeed their loss.

Enter Deerhoof. While theirs would not be characterized as traditional fare like pancakes, it is no less comforting. Imagine tamago kake gohan with a side of corned beef hash and topped with Hollandaise from scratch. Sounds a bit avant garde? Such has been Deerhoof's approach to music since its inception; most notably in choosing bassist/lead vocalist Satomi Matsuzaki, who, at the time she joined the band, had no musical experience upon arriving in the U.S. via Japan to study film. Contrasted by drummer Greg Saunier, who sports a Master's Degree in composition, Deerhoof are an exotic spread indeed.

Recruiting such a novice to front the band has necessitated a collective approach to song writing, explains guitarist Edward Rodriguez, "We all have such different likes, dislikes and backgrounds, but we all trust each other and respect each others' input, so by the time the songs are recorded, they've gone through countless stages. When we reach a point where everyone is happy, we feel like we've arrived at something special."

Their newest offering, Offend Maggie, must have enjoyed emphatic approval from each of its members. Like a chef transforming contrasting, raw ingredients into a balanced, complex entrée, Deerhoof have crafted each song from raw elements into beautifully layered compositions. Satomi's delicate Japanese lilt is contrasted by Rodriguez's and John Dietrich's assertive guitars and Saunier's melodic, thundering drums. But don't expect a concept album on Offend Maggie, explains Rodriguez, "...not really so much a concept album but a concept to create the album. It's not really like a story from beginning to end," he continues, "but a reflection of how we're feeling right now, how we're seeing things right now."

Some might say Deerhoof are feeling slightly scattered, as are most of us these days. But it is Deerhoof's ability to articulate their present state of mind in each song with such clarity that makes them simultaneously calming and disarming, much like a great meal. Each song has its own flavor; some elemental, some playful, with others complex and robust. Combined, Offend Maggie's humble ingredients and street food charm transcend to gourmet heights, culminating in a rich concoction sure to sate even the most jaded musical palate.

A. J. Vice 2008-10-08

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

On their latest record, Deerhoof are a band heading in the right direction, hitting a sweet spot between their characteristic experimentation and a more enjoyable, accessible kind of pop songwriting. Since 2005's The Runner's Four, the band has been moving more and more towards this kind of sound, blending unpredictable shifts with great hooks. On the opener, "The Tears of Music and Love," you can hear the band's typical style in the riff's dropped final measure, creating an unexpected jump to the beginning of the next measure. It's a great tool for the start of the record, creating interest and some unpredictability that keeps the listener engaged. "Chandelier Searchlight" and "Buck and Judy" are fun, pretty tracks that have a very J-pop oriented sound. The title track is very cool, pairing a shuffling drum beat with lilting vocals and quick guitar work.

As someone who is not a Deerhoof fan, this is a record that I would actually purchase. Where their previous work has been either too random or too pretentious for me to really get into, this album hits its stride quickly, mixing fun with a modest amount of pretentious experimentation the band is known for.