Deerhoof, never one to rest on their laurels, is back in 2004 with Milk Man. Things seem to be the same as always as the public wonders, "Can Deerhoof really top Apple O'?" The same question was asked this time last year except it was Apple O' being questioned if it could live up to Reveille.
The album's "concept" is one that fits the album well. It's a story of an incredibly weird creature that brings kids into his dreamland and keeps them there. Almost a Nightmare On Elm Street feel but, a little cuter. The artwork is equally as disturbing, with what Deerhoof wants you to think this creature to look like and with the music that follows this concept, it makes you think that illustration couldn't be more right.
Satomi Matsuzaki's vocals help keep the balance of a child-like innocence through this dreamland while Greg Saunier's drumming pops up to remind you this isn't Kansas anymore. The use of interweaving piano, gives the poppy songs a more sophisticated touch. Organs then sneak in with every minor chord imaginable and scare the hell out of you. On "Desaparecere", the use of a drum machine backs Matsuzaki while an electric piano plays lounge-esque chords. Saunier's drumming starts to match up with the drum machine and the song turns into a struggle between good and evil.
Not to say this album isn't flawed at all. While it hardly bares a scratch at all, "Dog On the Sidewalk" seems to be an oversight when looking at the record as a whole. Luckily, it only clocks in at 1:13 so you hardly notice it. Well, you'll definitely hear Matsuzaki saying "Dog on the sidewalk" over and over but other than that, it's like it's not even there. Think of it as an intermission.
Is this better than it's predecessors? The jury is still out on that. Whichever side of the fence it lies on, it's still a great record. Where does Deerhoof stand in the grand scheme of things? While this is going to be billed as a concept album, I look at it as an everyday battle for Deerhoof. They are not quite sure if they are a noise band or if they are a pop band and this couldn't be more evident with this CD. The concept seems to play as a curtain over this war between the two genres who want to claim Deerhoof as another casualty. Deerhoof manages to stay strong though and seems quite content fighting each one, with each passing day.
