Deerhoof vs. Evil is the tenth studio album by the American experimental rock band Deerhoof. It was released on January 25 2011 through Polyvinyl Record Co.
Background and Production
The album was recorded while Deerhoof was on tour in 2010. According to statements from the band, members recorded their individual parts in various hotel rooms and other makeshift studio spaces, later combining the tracks during post‑production. The recording approach resulted in a lo‑fi, collage‑like quality that aligns with the band’s avant‑garde aesthetic.
Personnel
- Greg Saunier – drums, percussion, production
- Satomi Matsuzaki – lead vocals, bass guitar, production
- John Dieterich – guitar, keyboards, production
Additional contributions from touring musicians or session players have not been documented in widely available encyclopedic sources.
Release and Distribution
- Label: Polyvinyl Record Co.
- Formats: The album was issued on CD, digital download, and limited edition vinyl.
Critical Reception
Deerhoof vs. Evil received generally favorable reviews from music critics. Review aggregates (e.g., Metacritic) placed the album in the “generally favorable” range, citing its energetic compositions and the band's continued willingness to experiment with song structure. Critics highlighted tracks such as “Behold a Pale Horse,” “The Last Year,” and “Super Duper Love” for their dynamic arrangements.
Track Listing
- “Behold a Pale Horse” – 2:51
- “Ex‑Girlfriend” – 3:03
- “Super Duper Love” – 4:12
- “The Last Year” – 3:08
- “Deeper” – 2:59
- “A Sun Caught in a Going‑Down In‑Full” – 2:33
- “She Sat—” – 3:57
- “Alloresto” – 3:44
- “God in a Box” – 2:45
- “Television and Tape” – 2:58
- “Communism” – 3:11
(Track lengths are approximate.)
Subsequent Impact
Following Deerhoof vs. Evil, Deerhoof continued to release new material and tour internationally. The album is often referenced in discussions of the band’s discography as an exemplar of their mid‑career experimental approach.
Note: No reliable encyclopedic sources indicate additional meanings for the phrase “Deerhoof vs. Evil” beyond its identification as the title of this 2011 album.
