DEERHOOF
Deerhoof vs. Evil
(Polyvinyl)

Why "vs." evil, Deerhoof? Wouldn't Deerhoof is Evil be more challenging? No matter, while navigating familiar territory, the 12 songs here show the band is still inspired, and more graceful. The melodicism and gleaming decorative touches of "Behold a Marvel in the Darkness" and "No One Asked to Dance" match a romanticism that is winning. "Secret Mobilization" is a straight-up rocker, and the time-lapse bloom of "I Did Crimes for You" is just about gorgeous. In moving further beyond a Jane Birkin-meets-1990s-noise realm, East Coast counterparts Blonde Redhead seem to have gotten lost as of late. Not Deerhoof. A song from the album and album release show info after the jump.

Deerhoof, "Behold a Marvel in the Darkness" (from Deerhoof vs. Evil):

DEERHOOF (ALBUM RELEASE SHOW)
with Ben Butler and Mousepad, Fred Frith and Prhilip Greenlief Trio
Fri/28, 9 p.m.; $16
Great American Music Hall
859 O'Farrell, SF
(415) 885-0750