Deerhoof
History
Deerhoof is a San Francisco band formed in 1994 by drummer Greg Saunier and guitarist Rob Fisk, both of whom were also members of the band Nitre Pit. Their debut single "Return of the Wood M'Lady" was released the next year.
In 1996, Japanese native Satomi Matsuzaki joined the group as lead singer and bassist. Her foreign accent and lack of formal voice training didn't harm her success in the role of vocalist. In fact, the contrast between her high pitched, childish voice and the often harsh, noisy aspects of the band became one of Deerhoof's trademark features. This trio formed the band's line-up for their first LP, The Man, the King, the Girl, released in 1997. The album Holdypaws was released in 1999, and subsequently, founding member Rob Fisk left the band to form 7 Year Rabbit Cycle. After Fisk's departure the band also released Halfbird in 2001, an album of Fisk-era Deerhoof.
After Fisk left the band John Dieterich joined on guitars, marking the first major stylistic change in the band's history. The band began to receive critical and commercial success with their 2002 album Reveille. With the addition of second guitarist Chris Cohen, the band recorded Apple O' in 2003.
In 2004, Deerhoof released Milk Man. It's something of a concept album, based on a character created by Japanese artist Ken Kagami, a friend of the band. The same year, the band recorded a live session for John Peel. An EP entitled Green Cosmos was released in 2005. In October 2005, the band released their eighth album, The Runners Four.
In addition to Deerhoof all members have played in many other bands including The Curtains, Xiu Xiu, THETEETHE, Gorge Trio, Natural Dreamers, and Retrievers. Saunier has teamed up with Hella drummer Zach Hill and Joanna Newsom to create Nervous Cop.
On May 22nd, 2006, The band announced that Chris Cohen had left Deerhoof to work on The Curtains full time.
Band members
- John Dieterich - guitar
- Satomi Matsuzaki - vocals, bass
- Greg Saunier - drums
Past Members
- Kelly Goode
- Rob Fisk
- Bryce Aguirre
- Chris Cooper
- Jess Goddard
- Chris Cohen
Discography
Albums
- Dirt Pirate Creed LP (1996)
- The Man, the King, the Girl CD (1997)
- Holdypaws CD (1999)
- Live, Koalamagic CD (2001)
- Halfbird CD (2001)
- Reveille CD/LP (2002)
- Apple O' CD/LP (2003)
- Milk Man CD/LP (2004)
- Bibidi Babidi Boo MP3 (2005)
- Green Cosmos CD (2005) EP
- The Runners Four CD/LP (2005)
Videos
- Deerhoof/XBXRX NFJM5V (2001)
- Burn My Eye TV show episode 6/Compilation DVD ([2002])
- Wrong Time Capsule, ([2005])
Trivia
- Performed a cover of "My Pal Foot Foot" by The Shaggs, also known as the worst band in rock and roll history.