Why Deerhoof Rules by Aaron Mangle (2015)

Posted April 3, 2015

Deerhoof

When faced with a problem, I look for guidance. Sometimes before looking for guidance I become frustrated, confused, and angry. I pace around and wonder to myself “What’s to be done about this?” Perhaps I’m putting off replying to an email I wish I hadn’t received, preparing my taxes, addressing a difficult situation with a friend, or trying to force a song to move in a new direction and I’ve hit a wall. I think to myself “There is no solution to this problem and I am doomed to replay this scenario for the rest of my days and whatever may follow.” Sometimes I am overwhelmed by all the violence, oppression, and injustice all around us and all over the world.

Deerhoof rules because instead of fighting, flighting, denying or disguising, they draw a new and oddly shaped door, open it and step through. They create an alternative reality. Theirs is a world of possibility and wonder. Theirs is a dimension where a problem is an opportunity. Deerhoof doesn’t break the rules because Deerhoof doesn’t need to. Deerhoof hits a wall and a door appears. Deerhoof hits a wall and guitar appears, a drum appears, a voice appears, a panda, a flower, a duck, a queen, a siren, a solution! Theirs is a band without pretension, regret, control, or a manager. Theirs is a band who’s mission is to create, follow the music, challenge the body, challenge the mind, distort, confuse, dance, go upside-down, turn inside-out.

How do I make a room like this in my house? An extra room; orange, yellow, black, rainbow. No floor, no ceiling, no walls, no problem. A solution room. A new dimension! I need help with my room so I’m throwing a party. I’ve invited Deerhoof. I’m pacing around my apartment, running from room to room looking for them. I’m light-headed and frustrated again. “What have I done? I’m lost, everything is broken and there’s no use! Wait! What’s this?!” I find myself in a new room, it’s dark in here. I hear a noise, a bump, a creak. I hear an electric squeal, a loud hum, a crack, a crash!

Deerhoof tells me that music is joy & love and should be shared. Deerhoof tells me that another reality is possible. Thank you Deerhoof for the love and support.

Aaron Mangle is a Halifax-based musician who fronts Cousins. He is playing Kazoo! Fest 2015 with Jon McKiel and JOYFULTALK.