Deerhoof @ Neumo’s
The Deerhoof show at Neumo’s was pretty impressive, despite two obstacles to my enjoyment. First off, even though I had a +1 slot on the guest list, I had to fly solo. It was for a good reason, as Serene was in serious need of some rest and recuperation from a pretty shitty week, and my back-up guest couldn’t make it, but it would have been nice to be there with someone. The second impediment was the new layout for Neumo’s, while the Bad Juju is under renovation. It was all ages show, so the only bar service was in the balcony area, which is rather short on space, meaning a rush up the stairs between each set, and limited viewing space. Oh, the indignities one must tolerate.
But the music itself (you know, the actual reason for a show) was top notch, so it was all worthwhile in the end.
Leti Angel opened up, and at first glance I wasn’t expecting to be impressed. But they caught my attention right off the bat, with forceful vocals, big hooks, and some unique vocal looping effects. They also managed to keep my attention through their entire set, which you have to admit is sort of unusual for unheard-of opening bands. The vocal looping could have been a gimmick, but they managed to find creative uses for it in each song making it an integral part of the music, rather than window dressing.
Black Black was on next, and took the stage to general confusing from the audience. Understandably so, as it was a three piece band of white kids painted black from head to toe. Someone even asked them from the balcony why they were in blackface, and their singer responded that they were actually supposed to be “shadows.” Speaking of gimmicks, right? Despite the dubious bid for attention, the music was not bad, a sort of naive indie-pop sound that could be likened to The Blow, perhaps.
The main event was Deerhoof, of course. By they time their set arrived, the entire venue was packed, from the back exit to the edges of the balcony, and I don’t think there was a single disappointed fan by the night’s end. It was my first time seeing the band, so I can’t comment on any differences between their current show as a three piece, and their old four-piece incarnation, but I was pretty impressed. They sound good on record, but there’s something about seeing them, playing off-kilter music with such precision and power, that brings the show to a whole new level. Even with a restricted view fromt he back of the room I could appreciate their mastery of their instruments (especially drummer Greg Saunier) and material. Most of their songs were played in blocks of 3 or 4, with minimal transitions. They make it sound like they’re teetering on the brink of chaos and flailing out of control, when nothing could be further from the truth. Seeing them pull it off gave me a whole new appreciation for the band. Not a bad experience for a free show, especially one with two strikes against it going it.
