Deerhoof has long straddled the line between experimentalism and straightforward pop, and their latest release is no exception—Offend Maggie finds them gravitating toward their pop side with an undeniable oomph.
Opener “The Tears and Music of Love,” with its chugging power chords and thumping drums courtesy of bandleader Greg Saunier, is as close to arena rock as Deerhoof has ever come. But 2006’s Friend Opportunity started off in much the same way—the difference here is that the band sustains that driving, riff-centric focus over the album’s entire first half. “Buck and Judy” relies on an overdriven bass for its Milkman-esque haunting melody, and album standout “Snoopy Waves” showcases the sublime guitar work that made The Runners Four one of 2005’s best albums. The guitar work is consistently breathtaking with Ed Rodriguez and Deerhoof stalwart John Dieterich hitting things off creatively.
“Offend Maggie” finds them fully embracing their pop instincts, and it’s easy to see why the band chose it as the first single. It’s followed up by “Basket Ball Get Your Groove Back,” the first niche Deerhoof track here, and one on which vocalist Satomi Matsuzaki completely takes over. She’s always been an acquired taste, and her style hasn’t changed on Offend Maggie. Anyone who thought her impish, high-pitched squeal was too much to handle before won’t find anything to change their minds here.
But to overlook Deerhoof because of her vocal stylings would be missing the point. Deerhoof is a band in the truest sense of the word. Their arrangements are basic, making their music transparent; it’s easy to see how each member of the band plays an equal role in achieving their remarkable balance.
That balance is even more apparent on the album’s second half. “Fresh Born” incorporates a beautiful piano melody before derailing into chaos, and “Family of Others” is reminiscent of Animal Collective in its wishy-washy acoustics and vocal harmonies. At this point, Deerhoof has again confirmed that it is one of rock’s most consistent bands, and Offend Maggie is another excellent entry in their unique catalogue.
Voice’s Choices: “Snoopy Waves,” Family of Others,”“My Purple Past”
