SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: DEERHOOF – MIRACLE-LEVEL

Deerhoof
Miracle-Level
Joyful Noise Recordings

Deerhoof has been around since the 90s, but Miracle-Level marks the band’s “studio-debut album.” Previously Deerhoof was well-known for their DIY methods, but the band decided to make itself uncomfortable and try something new. This is not the only significant departure for the band either, as this is also the first record entirely written and sung in Japanese.

It is pretty hard to describe what Miracle-Level is, as Deerhoof utilizes many different styles of music on this album. Not a single track sounds similar to another. Mainstream music listeners and audiences will likely not enjoy Miracle-Level that much. However, those who enjoy music on the experimental side of things will love how creative Deerhoof is willing to go on their latest album.

“Sit Down, Let Me Tell You A Story.” is an avant-garde punk song with some strange and neat guitar riffs. “Jet-Black Double-Shield” is a loud, wild and frantic instrumental song that hits hard. “The Little Maker” has a ska edge to it in and the guitars have a sound similar to something you might hear from a No Doubt record from the 90s. “Miracle-Level” has a hint of dreamy bedroom pop. The closing track, “Wedding, March, Flower”, is a soft rock piano ballad that is probably the most accessible track on the album for first-time listeners of Deerhoof.

Singer Satomi Matsuzaki’s vocals are terrific. “The Poignant Melody” is one track in particular that showcases her gorgeous voice. The guitars flow perfectly with her voice and sounds almost like they are performing a duet.

Lyrically the album is not the strongest, but there are some highlights. “My Lovely Cat” is quite witty and pokes fun at cat videos on TikTok and Instagram.

Overall, Miracle-Level is an album of many firsts for Deerhoof. It might be out of some people’s comfort zones, but as Deerhoof themselves show with this album, it is good to try new things.

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