Out of the woods for noise-pop trio Deerhoof

By Mitchell Peters

NEW YORK (Billboard) - San Francisco experimental noise-pop trio Deerhoof didn't feel the need to upgrade to a fancy tour bus after being handpicked to open for Radiohead on a string of California gigs last June, which included a stop at Berkeley's Greek Theater.

Erik Carter, Deerhoof's North American agent at the Kork Agency, arrived early to that day's show. While observing the massive semi-trucks used to load in Radiohead's equipment and stage props, the agent burst into laughter.

"Deerhoof rolls up in a rented Honda with the three of them and all their gear," Carter recalled, noting the band also has opened for the Flaming Lips, Wilco and Sonic Youth. "It was so funny. It was a comical picture of the three of them getting out of this little clown car."

But that's the simple charm of Deerhoof, which releases its eighth album, "Friend Opportunity," via Olympia, Wash.-based indie label Kill Rock Stars on January 23.

Since Deerhoof's full-length debut in 1997, the act has steadily increased its visibility among critics and fans, combining John Dieterich's distinct noise-guitar melodies and Greg Saunier's spastic drumming with the playful, childlike crooning of Japan native singer/bassist Satomi Matsuzaki (who is married to Saunier).

Dieterich has a simple explanation for Deerhoof's slow and steady rise. "I think what works is playing concerts," he said. "Physically being in a room with people and playing music and talking with them after shows."

In that same vein, worldwide festival appearances and touring with well-known acts have exposed Deerhoof to a broader audience, but the three-piece -- which saw the departure last year of guitarist/bassist Chris Cohen -- also has found other creative outlets to spread the word. In October 2006, its album "Milk Man" was performed as an elementary school ballet at North Haven Community School in Maine. Deerhoof's music also will be featured in the 2007 film "Dedication," featuring Mandy Moore and Billy Crudup.

The Bay Area trio is also known for consistently delivering new music to fans, whether through physical product or free Internet-only downloads.

Reuters/Billboard