An ironic title if there ever was one, Friend Opportunity (now the band's 8th full-length) may just be the album that pulls in the most new fans of Deerhoof's career. Now just a three piece since guitarist Chris Cohen decided to leave and focus on his band The Curtains full time, drummer Greg Saunier, guitarist John Dieterich and bassist/vocalist Satomi Matsuzaki find themselves in uncharted waters. Their last album, 2005's The Runners Four, saw Deerhoof moving away from Noise and No Wave Rock and into a more song-oriented mainstream sound more than ever, but Friend Opportunity is their most simply stated Indie-Rock release to date and frankly they sound all the better for it.

Friend Opportunity starts of with a blast, an organ blast that is on the stellar opener "The Perfect Me," then moves directly into horns, smooth guitar riffs and a bad ass kick drum on "+81". Matsuzaki's bass work on "Believe E.S.P." is some of her best in years. There are a few clunkers to be found here though. "Kidz Are So Small" with its obnoxious synths, drum machines and asinine lyrics is utter crap and the album closer "Look Away" is the one track here that is reminiscent of their older experimental work, but it meanders for far too long and outstays its welcome. Eight goodies out of ten though is swell enough odds to give this a glowing review and Friend Opportunity is a welcome add into Deerhoof's ever expanding catalog.