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Fun Fun Fun Fest review and scene report: Deerhoof
As the day went on Saturday, the amount of dust in the air increased dramatically as the number of people did. Seeing San Diego-based Black Heart Procession take the stage after cute indie newcomers Bishop Allen was amusing, as the look (and age) of the two groups couldn’t be any more different.
A cool non-musical element of the festival was artists Dominique Vyborny’s giant metal sculptures, Cranky and Plucky. Check out www.extraurbanelephant.com for pics.
Two local acts that shined on Saturday were Octopus Project and Golden Arm Trio, the latter playing on stage two, a pleasant addition to the festival with its tucked-away feel.
As the sun went down and the festival got cold cold cold, proggy San Fransisco outfit Deerhoof got going on the main stage. Singer and bassist Satomi Matsuzaki set a playful tone as she appeared on stage with a giant furry tiger mask.
A lot of Deerhoof’s charm lies in their ability to take familiar-sounding classic rock guitar riffs and process them into slightly schizophrenic bundles of musical joy. It’s even more fun live, especially on songs like “The Perfect Me” off the 2007 album “Friend Opportunity.”
Deerhoof is an exercise in musical democracy. Drummer Greg Saunier, who was just phenomenal, is positioned up front rather than behind the rest of his bandmates. His drum work is as central to the songs as the guitars and Matsuzaki’s voice, which made wild leaps in chorus with the guitars. Let’s hope they’ll be back in Austin soon.
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