Deerhunter Vids For Your Monday Morning

Deerhunter in Boston, from the HAD Archive.

It's Monday morning, and it's the middle of March, which inevitably means one thing: head colds. Head colds, in turn, lead to sitting around and discovering video awesomeness that passed us by while we were busy being frenetic and out of control, and in turn causing ourselves to get sick.

Today's object of affection: Deerhunter. The band made a series of television appearances in support of Halcyon Digest, and they are awesome. If you haven't seen them, the time to watch is now.

Deerhunter: Free Show Tonight, Returning In October

Deerhunter at Outside Lands 2009, from the HAD Archive

Photo By Rick Audet

We already told you how stoked we were that Deerhunter had a new disc on the way. As you can imagine, the news that the band would making more than one New York appearance this summer and fall really put us over the edge.

The first appearance(s) start tonight with a free show over on Pier 54 as part of the River Rocks series. Gates are at 6, Real Estate opens at 7, followed by Deerhunter. The band will then make their way over to Brooklyn, and play a DJ set at Glasslands to close out the night. The band will then return to play an October 15th date at Webster Hall (also with Real Estate) in support of the new record, Halcyon Digest. Tickets for that show are on sale now. No matter which way you cut it, that's a lot of Deerhunter goodness, and if you're in the big apple, you should certainly count yourself among the lucky.

Meanwhile, Bradford Cox continues to post even more new material to the band's blog, including the recently posted instrumental "Heatwave". Title seems appropriate, no? Check it out below.

Deerhunter Previews Halcyon Digest With Leaks To Street Team And Homemade Video

First, we'll start with this: Deerhunter has a new record on tap for the fall, and it's entitled Halcyon Digest. Yes, agreed. This is very, very, good news. But it gets better. You see, the band has decided on something of a fan-driven marketing campaign for the record, and as such has enlisted their street team to start pushing the album in exchange for a taste of the goods in advance.

Lucky for you, dear reader, the internet knows know bounds, and so the result of this endeavor has been the leak of two (so far) tracks via this fan-centric marketing system. Both tracks were obtained via the Halcyon Digest website (password: "tapereel"), and were originally intended as a bonus to said street team.

The first, entitled "Revival", is what could be (at least post-Microcastle) as straight ahead Deerhunter: Spector-esque drums, loads of reverb, and Bradford Cox's double tracked vocals all contribute to make this little ditty quite sweet on the ears. The second, entitled "Radio Play", is much more of an ambient noise piece, and blows by in an instant.

Finally, the band has also posted a video in support of the record (above). While it's clear the band in the video is not Deerhunter, we're having trouble discerning if the audio track is a rough mix of the song, or just a band that's pretty damn good at aping their vibe. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Either way, with the record still 2 months away, things are just getting started, and from the looks of it, this is going to be fun!

Halcyon Digest is out September 28th via 4AD

mp3: Deerhunter - Revival

mp3: Deerhunter - Radio Play

photos: Deerhunter in the HAD Archive

Spoon And Deerhunter Played The House Of Blues In Boston - Pictures, Review, Setlist

On Saturday night we trundled our way up to Boston to catch the Spoon and Deerhunter bill at The House Of Blues. Granted, the pair had played Radio City the night before, but if we can snag ourselves some GA action on an open floor, it's always preferred. What's more, we were curious to see what Boston's House Of Blues looked like since it was created from the ashes of a combined Axis and Avalon. We were glad we did: we managed to catch two of our favorite bands deliver an epic pair of sets that left us more than satisfied.

Seeing Deerhunter in an opening slot was a bit of a conundrum. The band are so fantastic, that seeing them relegated to a shorter set and a crowd that was partially uninformed to their music was a bit of a bummer. That being said, the response was unquestionably enthusiastic, and the band was more than happy to recruit some new members to their ever-expanding fan base.

The band's set was quick (45 minutes) and jumped around between Cryptograms and Microcastle. Of note was a particularly drawn out and fantastic version of "Nothing Ever Happens", and a mid-tempo version of "Microcastle" that never really kicked into it's rock section, but instead held back with a painfully large amount of restraint.

The acoustics for the band's set were fantastic, and all members seemed to be in relatively good spirits. In particular, Josh Fauver's bass parts took a comfortably prominent place, delivering melody as the two guitars battled it out for cacophony control. Perhaps our only regret was not getting to see a full set from the band: they're so enjoyable that it was one of those rare occasions when we were torn between wanting the opener to stick around, and wanting the headliner to arrive.

When the headliner did arrive, however, we certainly weren't disappointed. Seeing Spoon on this stage, we weren't quite sure what to expect: it's unquestionably the biggest room we've seen them play. What's more, after last year's Crystal Ballroom show, and this year's set at Mercury Lounge, we were far more used to seeing them in small clubs. But the fact of the matter is that the band had a handle on the big room, and managed to bring the energy needed to keep the sold out crowd engaged.

Over the course of a massive 21-song set, the band delivered tunes sourced primarily from their last three records, taking a handful of tangents into their back catalog. As such, the set offered up a solid emphasis of the strength of the band's recent material, and the fact that their now-massive fanbase has a far larger level of familiarity with post-2004 Spoon.

While that's certainly not a bad thing, we have to admit that we're champing at the bit for the band to reach a point where they want to cull a bit more of their set from their brilliant early records, most notably A Series Of Sneaks and Girls Can Tell. That being said, they did offer up some nods of appreciation to earlier material. Three tracks from Kill The Moonlight made their way into the set, including a killer version of "Something To Look Forward To", and a tripped out arrangement of "Vittorio E". The band also rolled out Sneaks' "Metal School", with its straight ahead garage rock attack.

The set definitely tipped it's hat to the band's most recent record, Transference. The record's minimalist opener, "Before Destruction", started the show, and gave way to a far more fleshed out version of the record's closer, "Nobody Gets Me But You". Five more tracks from the record made appearances, and all held up well for a willing and ready audience. In particular, we have to say that "Is Love Forever?" really delivers live, and we wouldn't mind one bit if the dubbed-out vocal at the close stuck around for some sort of extended breakdown of the song.

The rest of the setlist was fleshed out by a solid selection of tracks from the band's recent material, with some nods ("The Underdog", "I Turn My Camera On") to the hits, and some fan favorites ("I Summon You", "Don't Make Me A Target") that have become live staples for their energy and delivery. More than anything, the set was artfully constructed so that all of the audience, ranging from new fans to old ones, was kept on board throughout.

It was an education in just how Spoon has managed to become beloved as both an album artist and as a live act, and why their upward trajectory consistently continues, when for their peers it begins to lag. Put simply, they are a band built upon the fundamentals of rock and roll: composition, delivery, performance, and enthusiasm. Put on stage, even one this large, there are no antics, just four guys playing rock and roll. Luckily, that's exactly what the audience is there to see.

Many more photos at the HAD Archive

Spoon Setlist, House Of Blues 03-27-2010

--

Before Destruction

Nobody Gets Me But You

Rhythm And Soul

You Got Yr Cherry Bomb

Vittorio E

Don't Make Me A Target

Got Nuffin

Stay Don't Go

Who Makes Your Money

Written In Reverse

Metal School

The Beast And Dragon, Adored

Don't You Evah

They Never Got You

I Summon You

I Turn My Camera On

Trouble Comes Running

The Underdog

--

Something To Look Forward To

Is Love Forever?

Finer Feelings

Outside Lands 2009: Day 2, Part 2 - Pictures, Review

As we rolled ourselves into the second half of Outside Lands, we couldn't have been more psyched: the weather was holding up, the shows were kicking ass, and we were having a great time! What's more, the second half of Saturday had some of our favorite live bands on the lineup, so we got out there and got into the crowd as soon as possible.

Our first stop was to check out TV On The Radio, and it would be perfectly accurate to say that they were exactly as we expected: awesome. We've been digging on Dear Science, since it dropped, and seeing the tunes live makes it just that much more awesome. Compound that with the fact that the band travels with a legit brass section and tears it up live, and, well, we were more than a little happy with the set.



From there we headed to Deerhunter's set. We've been in love with the band's live show since we saw them at Noise Pop, and it continues to be one of our huge regrets that Microcastle was absent from our "Best of 2009" list. Suffice it to say, we are now sufficiently converted. Bradford Cox took to the stage before the rest of the band and shot the shit with the crowd for a bit. Given the cry of "I'm missing Conor for you!", Cox deftly replied "Who? No, seriously. Who are you talking about? Oh, Bright Eyes? My roommate used to live with that guy." Indeed. Once the rest of the band arrived on stage, they delivered an unquestionably great set, easily on par with the Noise Pop show, but maybe not quite as epic.


We wrapped up our day with a stop to see The Mars Volta. We had never seen the band before (and frankly, aren't what you would call "well versed" with their catalog), but we had heard such fantastic things about their live show that we just had to check it out. Let us say this: believe the hype. The band delivered an incredibly balls-to-the-wall set of rock and roll that the energy in these pictures only begins to capture. To call it frenetic would be an understatement. It was a great way to go out of Saturday on a total rock and roll high, and head home to rest up for day 3!

Photos By Rick Audet
Many more photos at the HAD Archive

Atlas Sound Drops New Virtual Single, Deerhunter EP Due In May

Despite the fact that we're still digesting the deluge of free Atlas Sound and Deerhunter material from the past few months, it seems that the notoriously prolific Bradford Cox has seen fit to drop even more musical goodness on the interwebs in the coming weeks.

To start, Cox has continued the Atlas Sound "Virtual Single" series, releasing the latest entry, Time Warp, via the band's blog. The single consists of two decidedly acoustic numbers, one with vocals and the other without, that manage to be just finished enough to transcend any sort of "demo" feel. The title track (which is actually the b-side) offers up a slightly erratic percussion line that serves as a nice contrast to the almost-reggae offbeat guitar. The a-side, entitled "Springtime Instrumental", is an upbeat number that won us over with its easy going accessiblity - it has massive repeat listen appeal.

On top of churning out Atlas Sound goodness, Cox has also been hard at work with his other endeavor, Deerhunter. The band is set to release an EP, entitled Rainwater Cassette Exchange, on May 18th. While we don't have the whole record in hand yet, we do have the title track (below), and we can tell you it's right in line with what the band was doing on Microcastle. It's extremely reminiscent of that record's "Little Kids", although clocking in at just two and a half minutes, it never really quite goes as audio-crazy as that track.

We have to admit, with all this material, it can be difficult to keep up with Bradford Cox and his muse. That being said, if you're a fan (which we most certainly are), then it's looking to be a very good spring.

Rainwater Cassette Exchange drops on May 18th

mp3: Deerhunter - Rainwater Cassette Exchange
mp3: Atlas Sound - Time Warp (Media Fire, click through)

Much Much More Free Atlas Sound, And Some Deerhunter Too!

Picture from the HAD Archive

Clearly we haven't been paying enough attention. After yesterday's post regarding a new free Atlas Sound digital 7", we started perusing the band's blog some more. Turns out Mr. Cox has been posting free tasty tidbits to the web for quite some time now, and there's a lot of goodness to be had. This should be enough to get you started, but there's easily more where this came from.

Go forth! Explore! Enjoy!

Atlas Sound - Maybe Logic 7"
Atlas Sound - Holiday 7"
Atlas Sound - Amsterdam MIDI 7"
Atlas Sound - Things I'll Miss EP
Atlas Sound - Bored Dub 7"

Deerhunter - Fluorescent Grey Demos & Outtakes
Deerhunter - Cryptograms Mixtape

Noise Pop 2009: Videos Already Making Their Way To The Web

For anyone who attended last week's Noise Pop fest, it's no secret that there were HD video cameras all over the place at every gig. While we had heard rumblings that the video would be in the edit bay for the better part of 6-8 months, it looks like the release cycle will be far faster than that.

Three full length gigs (Deerhunter, Ra Ra Riot, and Port O'Brien) have been posted on YouTube, and supposedly the remainder are making their way to streaming music beheamoth Wolfgang's Vault. Suffice it to say, both for those who were there, and those who not, this is an awesome treat.

Check out the Deerhunter vid above, and head to Noise Pop's YouTube page for Ra Ra Riot and Port O'Brien.

Noise Pop 2009: Deerhunter Played Mezzanine - Review, Pictures

Last night at Mezzanine, Noise Pop got going not with a bang (or even a pop, for that matter), but with a massive influx of glorious unrepentant noise expertly delivered by Deerhunter. The band played to a packed room of fans and brought forth a set that perfectly toed the line between their more noisy and more melodic compositions. What's more, the band seemed to completely transcend any of their sometimes-notorious stage drama and not only deliver a full set, but enjoy themselves at the same time.

Like we said, the set was diverse, and pulled from the band's entire catalog. The opening "Cryptograms" really served to get the night off to a great start, and the one-two punch of "Cover Me Slowly" and "Agoraphobia" was significantly meatier than on the record. While the extended version of "Calvary Scars" was a noise-rock masterpiece, our favorite spot of the evening was a fantastically perfect version of "Microcastle". When it kicked into the breakdown half way through, it simply blew the top off the room.

One of the most incredible thing about seeing Deerhunter live is their ability to recreate the layered sounds that define their records. Despite what we would have guessed to the contrary, there was nary a synthesizer in sight last night. Rather, the band uses guitars, vocals, and an array of pedals to generate the many tiers of audio. Most interesting to us was the number of synth-like tracks on the record that are actually processed vocals by lead singer Bradford Cox. Seeing the band craft these textures in a live environment is simply a wonder to behold.

If it's not clear from what you've already read, then let us be clear: we simply couldn't have asked for a better show than what we saw last night. Deerhunter demonstrated without a doubt that they are one of the most relevant and groundbreaking bands today. What's more, they have mastered a remarkably poignant ability to combine accessible, danceable melody with utterly challenging sound and noise. If music were a contest (and mind you, kids, we're not saying it is), these guys are most certainly the band to beat.

Deerhunter plays another free show tonight at Rickshaw Stop.
Setlist here
Many more photos at the HAD Archive

Noise Pop 2009: Noise Pop Starts Tonight!

Well, here it is: tonight San Francisco's own Noise Pop festival gets rolling, and with it some of the most anticipated shows of the year. You can check out HAD's guide to the fest right here, but in case you're just scoping out tonight's activities, here's what's in store:

Antony and The Johnsons @ Nob Hill Masonic Center
John Darnielle (The Mountain Goats) @ Herbst Theater
Deerhunter @ Mezzanine (Free!)

Remember kids: stay safe, and have fun. See you out there!

Deerhunter To Play Second Free SF Show Wednesday Night At Rickshaw Stop

Maybe you didn't manage to RSVP for the show at Mezzanine. Maybe Noise Pop just doesn't have anything you're interested in on Wednesday night. Maybe you're under 21, and Mezzanine just wasn't feasible. Or, perhaps you're just so cracked out on Deerhunter everything else has been rendered meaningless.

Whatever the case, you're in luck: Deerhunter is playing a second free San Francisco show on Wednesday night, this time at the Rickshaw Stop sponsored by MySpace secret shows. It's first come first serve, unless you apparently are one of the first 15 people with a printout of Turbo Tax being in your top myspace friends. No, we're not kidding - we don't get it either. Regardless, get there early and get yer butts in line. In the meantime, enjoy the tripped out oil n' water video for "White Ink" above...

Free Noise Pop Deerhunter Show Confirmed, RSVP Now

That Deerhunter show we mentioned last week? It's been confirmed, and tickets are free. Head here to RSVP now!

Deerhunter Playing Free Show @ Mezzanine For Noise Pop's Opening Night

We don't have many details for you beyond what's in the headline, but we have it on good authority that Deerhunter will be playing a free show at Mezzanine for Noise Pop's opening night. Details forthcoming...XOXO

Jay Reatard: Interview, Deerhunter Cover

We mentioned a while back that Matador's fuzz-rocker in residence, Jay Reatard, will be at the Independent on January 25th. The show's been a long time coming, and frankly, we're champing (Yes, champing. Look it up.) at the bit to check out the band in a live setting.

In the meantime, we've been enjoying Reatard's release Matador Singles 2008, and in particular held a certain fascination with his cover of Deerhunter's "Flourescent Grey". The track, from the EP of the same title, is one of Deerhunter's more accessible tracks, so it fits in well with Reatard's fuzzy take on easy to dig pop songs. The rest of the disc is a treat as well: if you don't have it, we highly recommend picking it up.

What's more, while you're enjoying the record you can also hopefully get a bit of insight to just who exactly Jay Reatard is. The Onion AV Club has a great, relatively lengthy interview with the man himself. Check it out now....

Tickets for Jay Reatard at the Independent are on sale now.

mp3: Jay Reatard - Flourescent Grey (Deerhunter cover. YouSendIt, click through)

Reminder: Deerhunter, Times New Viking Are At Great American Tonight

If you're not in the mood for viewing some free Noise Pop 2008 footage, and you fancy that you could do with a little bit more noise in your night, then allow us to recommend you head over to the Great American and check out Times New Viking and Deerhunter. Both bands are getting a suitable amount of hype these days, and from all we can tell, it's well deserved. Sure, there're stories of Deerhunter shows falling apart at the seams, but what's rock and roll without some drama and risks? Hit it!

mp3: Deerhunter - Wash Off

Deerhunter On-Sale This Sunday

We just got news that the Deerhunter show at GAMH on November 24th that we mentioned previously goes on sale this Sunday at 10 AM. Just thoughtcha might like to know, natch.

Deerhunter Coming To GAMH

We here at H.A.D. had been a tad concerned that the only opportunity to see Deerhunter in the Bay Area this year might be by buying a ticket to their slot opening for Nine Inch Nails at Oracle Arena. Thankfully, such is not the case, and the band will be gracing the GAMH with their presence on Monday November 24th. By all accounts, the Deerhunter live experience is not to be missed. Details of tickets forthcoming...

Nine Inch Nails / Deerhunter On-Sale Sunday

While we're not really ones to frequent arena shows, this may be an exception. First, you have the persistent notoriety of NIN's live shows, even in large venues. Second, you have one of the most exciting and also notoriously great live bands out there today, Deerhunter. It seems like a lineup that can't be beat, even if it is Oracle Arena. Well, make your own call, but regardless: tickets are on-sale Sunday at 10 AM.