Solid State

I know a lot of Deerhoof fans in Vermont are psyched that the band's new disc, Friend Opportunity, comes out on January 23. Guess what? I've already got it. Allow me to say nyah-nyah!

I haven't had much of an *opportunity* to listen, but what I've heard sounds like Deerhoof. You know — spazzy and melodic with a non-infuriating cuteness. There are a few new elements, however, such as acoustic guitar and more prominent electronics. It's got glossier production than previous efforts, but that doesn't detract from the songs, which are as strange as ever. Here's a juicy new track for your enjoyment:

Deerhoof — "Choco Fight"

In somewhat related news, a bluegrass trio called The Toughcats are coming to  the Middle Earth Music Hall on Friday, Jan. 19. What's the tie-in, you might ask? Well, the band — which hails from the tiny Maine island of North Haven —  once performed Deerhoof's Milk Man as part of a third-grade ballet recital. The event was attended by members of the 'Hoof, and reported by those tireless arbiters of hip, PitchforkMedia, last October.

Watch a clip of the ballet here.

Don't forget about the Charles, Dead or Alive? show at the Firehouse Center tonight: 7 p.m.; $7. Read more about it in today's issue.