Deerhoof - Milk Man
by Maarten Schiethart
published: 16 / 8 / 2004
Label:
ATP
Format: CD
intro
Sophisticated and remarkable sixth album from Deerhoof, who have combined punk ethics with a Phil Spector-style production to create "an ingenious and even radio friendly pop sound"
Included on the line-up of the All Tomorrow's Parties Festival, Deerhoof had their Kill Rock Stars US-release for 'Milk Man' made available on the All Tomorrow's Parties record label in the UK this summer. Deerhoof have always played with a bite and have always added the odd twist which I have liked, but it took just 30 seconds of this album for me to be won over entirely. A spoonful of Phil Spector has been blended with Deerhoof's indie rawk, and it's amazing how this addiition of a little sophistication has created an ingenious and even radio friendly pop sound. The new Deerhoof album, their sixth over a span of seven years, more than ever is delivered with Beefheart's 'Safe As Milk' in mind. Both albums flirt with top 40 punk pop and with catchy Japanese accents, which, while remaining irresistibly attractive, retain their edgy punk character, and turn tunes like 'Dog on the Sidewalk' and 'Song of Sorn' into some kind of magic. ''Milk Man' is self-produced, but , after listening to it for the first time, I grabbed for the digi-pack to check who had been producing. My initial impression was that Jack Endino had been taking lessons from Phil Spector. "Milk Man' has a tight, yet echoey sound and no shortcomings, exactly as is the case with producers like these. Deerhoof may themselves have done the production, but the 'Milk Man' delivers his basket with rattling and bouncing bottles filled with post-Dischord punk pop. Singer Satomi makes a point with her vocals, ranging from oriental to disorientating, and Deerhoof chorus samples. 'Giga Dance' is the prime example of a sound and a composition coming together as one while it's buck loaded with extremes. Deriving from Deerhoof's punk ethics, strummed guitar chords perfectly juxtapose with eerie, angelic vocals from Satomi with perfect timing. But you'd still be left puzzled. Fragments of styles linger around in Deerhoof Park and these develop into snappy songs. 'Milk Man' is a grand album. Should have told you that in the first place.
Track Listing:-
1 Milk Man2 Giga Dance
3 Desapareceré
4 Rainbow Silhouette Of The Milky Rain
5 Dog on the Sidewalk
7 Milking
8 Dream Wanderer's Tune
9 Song of Sorn
10 That Big Orange Sun Run Over Speed Light
11 New Sneakers
Have a Listen:-
bandcamp
reviews |
Deerhoof Vs Evil (2011) |
Muted tenth album from the once excellent Deerhoof, which finds the San Francisco experimentalists moving further away from their classic downbeat art rock sound into punk pop. |
Offend Maggie (2008) |
The Runners Four (2005) |
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