Deerhoof

Offend Maggie (Kill Rock Stars)

This S.F. quartet’s unwieldy oeuvre is an easy target for derision, but after a decade, Deerhoof has finally straightened up. Musicianship is the key: New second guitarist Ed Rodriguez adds a nice sheen to John Dietrich’s low end, drummer Greg Saunier’s maniacal playing is its most metered yet, and singer Satomi Matsuzaki’s singing and lyrics have matured (the latter a little less than the former). “The Tears and Music of Love,” “Chandelier Searchlight,” “Buck and Judy,” and “Family of Others” are grownup Deerhoof, complete with tangible, guitar-driven melodies. Some moments lapse back into oddball (“Basket Ball Get Your Groove Back,” “This Is God Speaking”), but the foursome has definitely found a seam. Hopefully it will keep those little hoofs moving forward. (6:30pm, Stage 1.)

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This article appears in November 7 • 2008.

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