(Kill Rock Stars)

www.killrockstars.com

 

As Deerhoof's latest opus begins with the chunkily distorted riffs of "The Tears and Music of Love," the first thing that may come to mind is AC/DC. Yes, Deerhoof are arguably referencing Australia's finest with the stop-and-start power chords of this opening song. But diehard fans take can solace as the situation soon reverts to what passes for normal in the Bay Area-based band's world as Satomi Matsuzaki's ever-playful and childish vocals enter the mix. This has always been the special talent of Deerhoof, that ability to blend rock music energy and tactics with avant-garde art-rock sensibilities, a tradition that is boosted by the addition of musician Ed Rodriquez to the lineup for this new album.

Offend Maggie is a record that, in certain ways, picks up where 2005's The Runner's Four left off. Both have an ultra-raw production sound, with simple, mostly unaffected guitars (except for distortion), bass, and drums leading the charge. Both clearly glean a portion of their construction from classic rock theory, although these conventions are run through Deerhoof's patented fucked-up-jazz-squeal machine and rendered nearly inadmissible as evidence at a Skynyrd convention. Offend Maggie's quiet moments are lush, angular, and beautiful, as can be heard on the closing track, "Jagged Fruit." And its innocent moments are fun without being precious, like "Basket Ball Get Your Groove Back," a percussion heavy, minimalist gem, which simply must be licensed by the NBA this year for its new theme song. David Stern, I hope you're reading.

Deerhoof have also fulfilled some of their greatest pop potential here. "Chandelier Searchlight" is pretty, buoyant excellence, with a vocal melody and bassline that work wonders. This is especially apparent when juxtaposed against the more abrasive "Buck and Judy" or the meditative "Family of Others," sung by one of the gentlemen in the band.

Overall, Offend Maggie is a smashing success for the band, a big step up in content, arrangement, tonality, and accessible experimentation from their last, Friend Opportunity. Deerhoof never shies away from a new idea, and continues to incorporate their disparate influences into a pastiche of innovative indie rock.

Standout Tracks: "Chandelier Searchlight," "Jagged Fruit" JONAH FLICKER