Miracle-Level

by Deerhoof

Overview

Nineteen albums into their career, Deerhoof still find new ways to express themselves. Somewhat surprisingly, Miracle-Level marks the first time they have completed an album in a professional studio and their first album sung entirely in Japanese, aspects that subtly but significantly contribute to its imaginatively direct approach. Deerhoof have never made a bad-sounding album, but working from start to finish with producer Mike Bridavsky -- whose adorable, Internet-famous, late cat Lil BUB provided the inspiration for "My Lovely Cat!," a quintessential example of the band's spiky-sweet noise pop -- at Winnipeg, Manitoba's No Fun Club highlights the finer points of their playing and how it all comes together. Miracle-Level's unadorned sound stands out even more from Deerhoof's two previous albums, Future Teenage Cave Artists and Actually, You Can. Though the latter was often bleak and the former was festive, they shared a densely layered production style reflecting their remotely recorded sessions and painstaking production tweaks. This time, Deerhoof spent more time practicing than recording, and Bridavsky does their performances justice by letting them ring out. Hearing the band play together in the same room electrifies songs like the turbulent instrumental "Jet-Black Double-Shield," where it feels like listeners are nestled in the kick drum and the guitars are wrapping around them. Miracle-Level is also a reminder that Deerhoof don't need loops or extra effects to create magic. In fact, stripping things down makes the most of the songs' quicksilver changes. Sung by Greg Saunier, "Everybody, Marvel" combines shoegazey chords, a low-slung rhythm, and a guitar lick that gets a little longer each time it's repeated into an improbable, endearing collage that's unmistakably Deerhoof. Gently jazzy moments such as "The Little Maker" and "The Poignant Melody" use the band's communal energy just as creatively as the spitfire waltz of "Sit Down, Let Me Tell You a Story" or "And the Moon Laughs," another fine example of how they reassemble stadium-sized riffs and drums to suit their own restlessness. Presiding over all these contrasts and surprises is Satomi Matsuzaki. She's rarely sounded finer, and the title track's evolution from pensive piano ballad to funky organ and guitar workout (and back again) underscores her commanding presence no matter what the music sounds like. Miracle-Level is also an inspired continuation of Future Teenage Cave Artists and Actually, You Can's theme of fighting seemingly insurmountable forces with optimism. "Phase-Out All Remaining Non-Miracles by 2028" would be a policy worth endorsing even if it wasn't backed by strutting guitars and cowbell. One of many songs dedicated to music's ability to unite and empower people, "Momentary Art of Soul!" eventually locks into a hypnotic, relentless groove that feels like it could level anything in its way. On moments like these, Deerhoof aren't just hoping for or expecting miracles, but making them happen. Miracle-Level is about seizing the opportunity to come together to create music and change -- a message that, like their other 2020s work, is just as eternal as it is timely. ~ Heather Phares

Product Details

Release Date:	03/31/2023
Label:	Joyful Noise
UPC:	0602309896669
Rank:	66130

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Deerhoof   Primary Artist