Deerhoof - Mountain Moves
(Joyful Noise)

Ecstatic skronk-noise-pop indie rock vets Deerhoof have a long history of challenging their listeners while never truly making the same album twice. Not only that, but they continue to write, record and release LPs with each calendar turn. 
Now in their 22nd year, Deerhoof do something they’ve never done. Open their doors up to friends for open ended collaboration. The band recorded demos with loose vocal guides and sent them to a list of musicians including Awkwafina, Juana Molina, Mantana Roberts, Xenia Rubinos, Lætitia Sadier, and Jenn Wasner. Those vocalists added their own melodies, ideas and spiritual presence to the songs giving Deerhoof’s latest album, Mountain Moves, a very distinct feeling. Conceptually, this was a way to encourage inclusivity while bonding together all of their musical brethren. Perhaps this is an example others will follow.
This would mean little if the record didn’t spazz and groove the way a Deerhoof records does. Fortunately, it absolutely does. “Your Dystopic Creation Doesn't Fear You” mixes Satomi’s plaintive voice with Awkwafina’s hip-hop esque proclamations atop a very rock-centered dancer. Jenn Wasner (of Wye Oak) punches in lovely vocals on “I Will Spite Survive” which somehow nicely mingles with computerized noise, John Dieterich’s scuzzy and off-kilter guitar and Greg Saunier’s always interesting drum parts. There’s even cover songs including Bob Marley’s “Small Axe,” which is stripped of its rhythm, functioning more like a hymn to Mother Earth than anything resembling reggae. 
Unsurprisingly, Deerhoof have done it again.Mountain Moves will get you moving and will keep you guessing. The fact they do this every year is a testament to how great this band is. Don’t sleep on this one! (Dom)
Check out a track here.