For most of their set, Deerhoof are lined up like an art installation, a resemblance which grows as the stage lights change colour at regular intervals, turning them neon pink, fluorescent green and electric blue. The musical soundtrack however means that this piece of art tackles all the senses head on.

At times Satomi’s words run together until they formulate one long, soft stream of wavering sound. Drifting over the hard strikes of Dieterich and Rodriguez’s guitars and the loud, skilfully fast beats of Saunier’s drums, the result is a unique and captivating sound, which refuses to be pigeonholed. Part American and part Japanese, Deerhoof’s stated influences vary wildly between jazz royalty such as Miles Davies and hip-hop innovators Busdriver. However, it is their bursts of unexpected electro-dance which in its cross of high-pitched electric guitar solos and pounding drums bestow Deerhoof with a truly modern edge.

‘Basket Ball Get Your Groove Back’ in particular is met with cheers as Satomi bounces around her quarter of the stage chanting ‘bunny-jump’ in time to the catchy tune. No doubt Deerhoof would have shone just as brightly even if the tech guys weren’t having quite so much fun with the lights.
Ilana Conway