Future Teenage Cave Artists cover

Future Teenage Cave Artists

Deerhoof · 2020

36 min · 11 tracks · experimental music

A kaleidoscopic blend of avant-garde melodies and playful rhythms that challenges conventional song structures.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Future Teenage Cave Artists — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its whimsical lyrics and dynamic shifts, encapsulating the playful yet profound spirit of Deerhoof.
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    Sympathy for the Baby Boo — This track combines a catchy melody with quirky instrumentation, showcasing Deerhoof's ability to balance accessibility with artistic experimentation.
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    Damaged Eyes Squinting Into the Beautiful Overhot Sun — With its introspective lyrics and layered soundscapes, this track exemplifies the band's knack for creating emotional resonance within unconventional frameworks.

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's unpredictable structures and rich sound make it distinctive, though its cohesion is somewhat loose.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes and unexpected instrumental breaks, creating a sense of unpredictability.
  • The use of varied instrumentation, including unconventional sounds and effects, contributes to a rich sonic palette throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • whimsical experimentation with lyrics
  • steady mid-tempo flow throughout
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • kaleidoscopic sound exploration
  • playful yet thought-provoking themes

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek high-energy instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2020, Future Teenage Cave Artists is Deerhoof's 13th studio album, following their experimental record Mountain Moves from 2017. By this time, the band had solidified their reputation as pioneers in the art rock scene, continually evolving their sound while maintaining a distinctively eclectic approach.
Stylistic neighbors
Battles· Tera Melos· Hella

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Future Teenage Cave Artists 3:26
  • 2 Sympathy for the Baby Boo 2:23
  • 3 The Loved One 2:38
  • 4 O Ye Saddle Babes 3:32
  • 5 New Orphan Asylum for Spirited Deerchildren 3:56
  • 6 Zazeet 2:28
  • 7 Fraction Anthem 2:52
  • 8 “Farewell” Symphony 3:49
  • 9 Reduced Guilt 3:44
  • 10 Damaged Eyes Squinting Into the Beautiful Overhot Sun 3:58
  • 11 I Call on Thee 3:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata