An untarnished innocence meshes beautifully with careful skill in Deerhoof's latest release, Friend Opportunity. Deerhoof prove that rock doesn't have to be abrasive or straight from the assembly line in the same way so many other bands have managed to find success. They provide a new dimension to music by flaunting classic guitar riffs, forceful drumming and random other musical odds and ends while lacing the innovative combinations with optimistic lyrics.
The album blasts off with ""The Perfect Me,"" which resembles something similar to pandemonium in a blender—two parts wild, percussive fury; one part sweetly stable vocals; pulsate until smooth. The track sets the tone of the album, hinting at the different elements to be used later. ""+81"" comes up next and is worked around a more 60s-inspired classic rock sound. It is tracks like these that offset the more experimental gems and create the precise balance that glues the album together.
The pace slows down somewhat with ""Whither the Invisible Birds?"" a dramatic, but not overdone ballad in the middle of the album. A simple piano tune weaves in and out of the gentle vocals. This sudden change does not last long, but shows another side of the band that is a nice contrast to the pleasant chaos of other tracks.
The more whimsical tracks of Friend Opportunity, such as ""Choco Flight"" and ""Kidz Are So Small,"" stand out the most and give Deerhoof a fresh edge that other bands can only dream of. Songs like these are difficult to pull off without sounding ridiculously immature, but the harmoniously innocent vocals of bassist Satomi Matsuzaki combined with the talents of guitarist John Dieterich and drummer Greg Saunier make these songs come together without losing credibility. Lyrics that sound silly at the surface hide messages of goodwill and integrity, qualities that seem rare in our world and are hardly ever mentioned in songs. These subtle nuances prove the band is thoroughly thinking through their work, which shows they have respect for listeners and are not just throwing an uninspired product their label dictates our way.
The song that stands out the most is undoubtedly ""Look Away,"" a 12-minute adventure that wraps up the whole feeling of the album. It is easy to drift away, let go and fall into the undulation of the song. The beginning is slow and shadowy, but bit by bit the tension builds into a climax of extreme confusion not unlike that of Pink Floyd's ""Interstellar Overdrive.""
This confusion then winds down into a soothing stream of simplicity, interrupted by a few erratic chords, and the epic ends with a light, airy feel.
Even though the band has been around for over a decade, they are still putting effort into their work and experimenting with their sound without sacrificing their style. Friend Opportunity is a playful delight that will appeal to anyone with a sense of adventure.
