What makes Actually, You Can by Deerhoof notable?

The album received critical acclaim, with notable mentions in publications like Pitchfork that praised its innovative composition and genre-blending approach. It continues Deerhoof's legacy of influencing the experimental rock scene, showcasing their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. Actually, You Can marks Deerhoof's first album since their 2019 release, Future Teenage Cave Artists. By this point, the band had solidified their reputation for avant-garde experimentation and eclectic artistry, pushing further into uncharted musical territories while maintaining their distinct sound.

Who is Actually, You Can for?

Actually, You Can works well if you're into playful rhythms for curious minds, steady pacing for focused listening and surreal landscapes that invite exploration.

How many songs are on Actually, You Can?

Actually, You Can has 9 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

Actually, You Can

Deerhoof · 2021

32 min · 9 tracks · experimental music

A vibrant collision of jagged rhythms and playful melodies that challenge conventional song structures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Be Unbarred, O Ye Gates of Hell — This opening track sets a frenetic tone with its erratic rhythms and layered instrumentation, encapsulating the album's spirit of chaotic creativity.
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Department of Corrections — In this track, an intricate interplay of guitar riffs and percussion creates an urgent atmosphere, reflecting themes of confinement and societal critique.
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Our Philosophy Is Fiction — The track's experimental structure challenges traditional verse-chorus formats, embodying the album's overarching exploration of narrative and reality within music.
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Epic Love Poem — With its dynamic shifts in intensity and lyrical whimsy, this song exemplifies Deerhoof's talent for merging profound themes with playful melodies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases inventive compositions and a unique sound, though its cohesion is less consistent.

What we noticed

The album features abrupt tempo shifts, with several tracks transitioning from frenetic energy to quieter, more introspective moments.
Vocal delivery often alternates between spoken word and melodic singing, creating a dynamic interplay that keeps the listener engaged.
Many tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as sudden key changes and unexpected instrumental breaks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

playful rhythms for curious minds
steady pacing for focused listening
surreal landscapes that invite exploration
short tracks for quick engagement

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Actually, You Can marks Deerhoof's first album since their 2019 release, Future Teenage Cave Artists. By this point, the band had solidified their reputation for avant-garde experimentation and eclectic artistry, pushing further into uncharted musical territories while maintaining their distinct sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Battles· Tera Melos· Hella