Review: Frienship Opprortunity by Deerhoof

Every freaking time I hear a Deerhoof song I wish I was in the band. I can just seem them rocking the fuck out. They are one the most exciting and vibrant bands out there. It is always hard to explain Deerhoof to people who have never heard them either. To quote Jeph Jaques from Questionable Content, "Unlike your typical Guitar Center shredders, they take what is obviously a lot of technical ability and translate it into a batch of rock songs that are alternately rollicking, surreal, psychedelic, and HEAVY." The sheer amount of rock that Deerhoof produces in 2 minutes is more than some whole bands do in a lifetime. Ah, but that is the Deerhoof from the absolutely mind-blowing The Runners Four from 2005. The question every asks now, can they top it?
No, not really. This album is completely different than The Runners Four, but that doesn't mean it is not as good. Friendship Opportunity is more like Milk Man or Apple 'O because of its use of synths. The songs are more poppy, but poppy in the sense that they don't melt your face and then explode your skull. These songs make there way into your mind and imbed themselves over time. This is more like the thinking man(woman)'s Deerhoof album. The band is trying new things. For example, "Whither The Invisible" is an emotional piano/synth song with Satomi Matsuzaki singing softly. The most surprising thing is that it works.
Then there's "The Perfect Me". An odd organ with blistering drums beats drive this song along at break neck speeds. "Kidz Are So Small" probably is the most disturbingly odd song on the album. With lyrics like 'If I were a man and you a dog, I'd throw a stick for you' it's got to be good.
Of course Deerhoof does pull out the ol' guitars on some tracks "+81", "Cast Off Crown", and "Matchbook Seeks Maniac" all are more guitar driven. Yet, only "Look Away" is the most like the Deerhoof of the past. At 11:46, with the classic Deerhoof guitar tones, it takes the listener back to days of yore with Reveille.
Deerhoof is changing, at least they did for this album and I welcome the new 'Hoof with open arms.
Rating: 4/5
Tracklisting:
1. The Perfect Me
2. +81
3. Believe E.S.P.
4. The Galaxist
5. Choco Fight
6. Whither The Invisible
7. Cast Off Crown
8. Kidz Are So Small
9. Matchbook Seeks Maniac
10. Look Away
-Lucas Thurston