Concrete Playground

Deerhoof is a troupe of glorious daytrippers, big smiles and off-the-wall styles. At this point, they are the longest-standing musicians signed to iconic record label Kill Rock Stars, and their longevity is something we should be thankful for every day. Especially when it comes to tour time, because this band are one of the few that if I had to choose between seeing them live once or owning their entire back catalogue, I'd be asking for the ticket.

Having evolved over the years, losing and gaining members with seemingly amicable grace, Deerhoof is currently comprised of four members and, from all reports, are in pretty fine live form, having spent the last year touring their excellent record Offend Maggie. Their sound, according to Wikipedia, fits into the following genres: alternative rock, art punk, avant-garde music, experimental rock, garage rock, indie pop, indie rock, J-pop, noise, noise pop, noise rock, pop music, post-punk revival, post-rock, post-modern music, progressive rock, psychedelic pop, rock music, twee pop, 21st century classical music. Which is to say, about 20 more than most other bands.

Similar in spirit are their support band Tokyo drifters, Tenniscoats. A duo who have been making music together since 2000, their live temperament is meditative and a little offbeat. Tenniscoats and Deerhoof have been involved collaboratively recently, so it's a special thing to see them both on one bill. Dreamers rejoice.