Deerhoof rallies its famous friends to protest on Mountain Moves

Two weeks before its official release, Deerhoof’s 14th album, Mountain Moves, debuted on Bandcamp as a pay-what-you-want download, with 100 percent of all proceeds going to The Emergent Fund. While Mountain Moves isn’t a “political” record in sound—there’s no fiery drum rolls or Rage Against The Machine-like commands—it is one in structure. The art-rock act, which has constantly redefined itself and upended listener expectations since 1994, here brings in a rotating cast of guest artists, every one of whom is a woman or person of color who similarly pushes musical boundaries. It covers other artists’ songs that have deeply revolutionary ties. Every lyric pays homage to past protests and calls upon younger generations to rise up. Above all, it preaches combating frightening times with open-mindedness and life-affirming vigor: “In this world of tyrants and CEOs seemingly hellbent on achieving the termination of our species,” Deerhoof writes in an accompanying message, “perhaps the most rebellious thing we could do is not die.”
With help from Wye Oak’s Jenn Wasner, lead single “I Will Spite Survive” takes aim at corporate media suppressing voices of truth and urges listeners to stay vigilant against them. Stereolab’s Lætitia Sadier brings a funky undertone to the boomer-baiting Bob Dylan homage “Come Down Here And Say That.” Rapper-comedian Awkwafina turns “Your Dystopic Creation Doesn’t Fear You” into a serious hip-hop track with impressive breakdowns, while gem-toned vocalist Xenia Rubinos keeps listeners’ attention during the slow ballad of “Singalong Junk.” Not everyone is used to their fullest potential: Chad Popple and Devin Hoff’s experimental piece is hard to decipher, while underrated Argentine musician Juana Molina’s voice often hides behind Deerhoof singer Satomi Matsuzaki. But throughout, the guests are given freedom to improvise, resulting in some inspired collaborations.