Fever 121614 (Live)

Album review

Given the size of Deerhoof's songbook and their frequent touring, it's a little surprising that they didn't release an official live album until 2015's Fever 121614, Live in Japan. Nevertheless, it lives up to the band's reputation as a consistently fun live act. Not surprisingly, Fever 121614 features more than a few songs from 2014's La Isla Bonita. The live setting lets that album's punk influence shine, whether on "Exit Only"'s hurtling riffs or "Paradise Girls"' winning combination of sprightly and crushing. Throughout the album, the muscle behind Deerhoof's musical gymnastics is apparent: "Dummy Discards a Heart" sounds even more like a bizarro version of stadium rock here than the studio version did, while "Come See the Duck" gets an extra shot of adrenaline. Meanwhile, the clever segue from "Twin Killers" to "I Did Crimes for You" allows the songs to flow like a six-minute rock opera that would make the Who proud. Deerhoof throw in a few surprises as well, transforming "Flower" into a jazzy, minor-key workout and giving "Let's Dance the Jet" a surf-metal makeover. The album's only drawback -- and it's a small one -- is that it doesn't quite capture the electric crowd energy of a typical Deerhoof show. Regardless, Fever 121614, Live in Japan delivers most of what makes the band so engaging in concert.

© Heather Phares /TiVo