Around since the mid-90’s, Deerhoof has accumulated a double digit album release total and endless miles on their touring vehicles. Yet during all that time, the band had never played a show in St. Louis. That’s no longer the case thanks to the Luminary Arts.

Earlier in the day, news broke of the passing of Bob Cassilly and Sleepy Kitty drummer Evan Sult (with “Thank You BC” on the front of his shirt) took a moment to express his thoughts about the loss. After that, the duo launched into a set where Paige Brubeck’s voice would charm you in only to knock you over with her guitar and Sult’s bombastic drumming. (I think it only took a song or two for Sult to lose his glasses.) I’ve noted before that Sleepy Kitty was on the top of my list of local bands that I had yet to see and after crossing them off, I’d gladly see them again.

With Deerhoof’s arrival on stage, the sold-out crowd packed in closely and the quartet wasted no time constructing their chaotic melodies. The Luminary’s stage doesn’t provide much separation between the band and crowd, giving the front rows a close look at their energetic performance, whether it was bassist Satomi Matsuzaki kicks and leaps or Greg Saunier’s ferocious drumming. As a Deerhoof newbie, I can’t give you much commentary on the set material, but the unpredictable progression of their songs had me paying close attention. Yet doing so never felt taxing, but instead felt refreshing to watch a band that just loves playing their music. Play hard. Have fun doing it. I’m down with that.

Random Notes:

-Deerhoof just released a live album available for free download. Free!

-I took off earlier and missed the guest appearance by Flaming Lips’ drummer Kliph Scurlock during the encore. Shame on me.

-The top of my current “local band that I really want to see but haven’t yet” list is now: Scarlet Tanager and Theodore.

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