Reveille cover

Reveille

Deerhoof · 2002

33 min · 16 tracks · experimental music

Chaotic yet playful soundscapes blend avant-garde experimentation with catchy melodies and unconventional song structures.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    This Magnificent Bird Will Rise — This track exemplifies Deerhoof's knack for juxtaposing delicate melodies with frenetic instrumentation, encapsulating the band's unique sound and compositional experimentation.
  • →
    The Last Trumpeter Swan — With its expansive length and intricate layers, this track showcases the band's ability to create immersive soundscapes that challenge traditional song structures while maintaining melodic appeal.
  • →
    Days & Nights in the Forest — This song stands out for its narrative quality and whimsical instrumentation, highlighting Deerhoof's talent for blending storytelling with avant-garde elements.

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 experimental approach and unique sound make it stand out in the indie rock scene of its time.

What we noticed

  • The album features abrupt shifts in tempo and dynamics, with tracks often transitioning from chaotic noise to melodic sections within the same piece.
  • Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, such as sudden stops or unexpected key changes, which challenge traditional pop formats.
  • Vocal delivery varies significantly across tracks, with some featuring spoken word elements while others employ high-pitched singing, creating a diverse auditory palette.
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 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • short bursts of chaotic energy
  • playful experimentation with sound
  • unexpected twists and turns
  • dynamic shifts in pacing
  • quirky interludes for attention

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek long, cohesive narratives

Where this album fits

Career context
When Deerhoof released Reveille in January 2002, they were already recognized within the indie rock scene for their unique approach to music, following their critically acclaimed album The Runners Four. This record marked a continuation of their artistic exploration, solidifying their presence as pioneers of experimental rock and further defining their eclectic style.
Stylistic neighbors
Battles· Tera Melos· Hella

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Sound the Alarm 0:20
  • 2 This Magnificent Bird Will Rise 3:32
  • 3 The Eyebright Bugler 0:42
  • 4 Punch Buggy Valves 1:53
  • 5 No One Fed Me So I Stayed 0:47
  • 6 Our Angel's Ululu 1:41
  • 7 The Last Trumpeter Swan 8:10
  • 8 Top Tim Rubies 1:56
  • 9 Tuning a Stray 0:07
  • 10 Holy Night Fever 1:18
  • 11 All Rise 1:08
  • 12 Frenzied Handsome, Hello! 1:47
  • 13 Days & Nights in the Forest 3:59
  • 14 Hark the Umpire 1:19
  • 15 Cooper 2:04
  • 16 Hallelujah Chorus 2:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata