The Merry Barracks – Deerhoof The Merry Barracks – Deerhoof (Download / Buy)

Deerhoof (@deerhoof) is the John Hancock signature of bands. Their sound is one of a kind, clearly identifiable to diehard ‘hoofers and casual listeners alike. Throughout the album, front woman Satomi Matsuzaki delivers her matter of fact lyrics in a distinctly youthful voice, while John Dietrich and Ed Rodriguez unleash calculated chaos on guitar. Drummer Greg Saunier supplies ever-changing rhythms to round out the quartet. Each band member has an important role in forming Deerhoof’s progressive, indie rock sound.

With Deerhoof vs. Evil, the band’s seems far less flamboyant than expected.  As we enter into the sonic world of the album, we find their usual trademarks slightly toned down.  They give a brief nod to 60’s British mod rock with the instrumental track “Let’s Dance the Jet.”

The imaginary question mark award, however, goes to “No One Asked to Dance.” At first, those listening may think that their iPod skipped to a completely different artist and album.  With the track beginning with a classical guitar solo for about twenty seconds before Matsuzaki sings her first line, the confusion is understandable. In “Behold a Marvel in the Darkness” and “Secret Moblization”, Deerhoof experiments by temporarily putting aside their usual elements and finding inspiration outside of their normal arrangement. These tracks are good but will be forgettable. Their main significance is in demonstrating that Deerhoof’s way of experimenting with their sound is to sound less experimental.

After making ten albums, change is and should be inevitable for Deerhoof. Deerhoof vs Evil is less jarring with its rhythms and melodies than previous works. The songs aren’t as random as expected.  There’s more organization to their calculated chaotic approach to making music. Despite this change, Deerhoof hasn’t completely forsaken their original sound. They’ve just made it slightly different and more approachable for less experimental ears this time around. Even though Deerhoof vs. Evil just came out, it makes one wonder how much their signature will change in their future studio venture. It already makes me want more.