May 5-11, 2005

musicpicks

Deerhoof

Rock/pop

Strawberry fields, banana trees, ducks and pandas all inhabit the Deerhoof world, filled with chaotic, childlike melodies that feel more like storytime than indie rock. The San Francisco quartet is on tour in support of their latest EP, Green Cosmos, a follow-up to 2004's superhero chronicle Milk Man. Live, their genius lies in their dynamics. At one moment, guitars are screaming and buzzing, and the drums seem like they aren't even keeping time. Then in an instant there's silence, an organ, a whisper from vocalist Satomi Matsuzaki, a simple ding of a bell. What was once in your face has turned into space, and who knows, there could be a slow build-up to a new part, or all hell could break loose. It's a crazy mix, but the songs and their performance hold together and remain irresistibly cute. Deerhoof's last show at the church included dance moves by oversized stuffed produce. One can only hope that they bust out the panda costumes this time around.

Mon., May 9, 7:30 p.m., $10, with Danielson Famile, One Long Lash and Nedelle, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 866-468-7619.

—James Saul