Deerhoof

In the increasingly complicated zoology of indie rock, the tracks of artistic San Francisco outfit Deerhoof remain easy to spot, but difficult to follow. At times resembling playful finger-painting, at others, emotive and abstract expressionism, the trio’s latest album, Friend Opportunity, like The Runners Four and Milk Man before it, incorporates elements of experimentalism, improvisation and noise to create discombobulated but surprisingly addictive pop tunes. Atop the Sonic Youth-inspired structures of guitarist John Dieterich and the minimalist percussion of Greg Saunier, Satomi Matsuzaki, who musically resembles a cross between Yoko Ono and Ralph Wiggum, sporadically spills her childlike vocals that vary from pure gibberish (see: “choo-choo-choo-choo beep beep” in “+81”) to haiku-like poetry from the perspective of a dog (“Kidz Are So Small”). It’s up to you to decide whether it’s completely brilliant or complete bullshit (though all evidence suggests the former). Kill Rock Star labelmates Macromantics, of Australia, will open with their Moments in Movement, as well as the much-feared Experimental Dental School.