Despite Chris Cohen being out, I like some of the guitar tones on the new Deerhoof, and it's good overall, but Milk Man and The Runners Four are both better. The songs aren't as cohesive on the new one. This is despite the arrangements being even perhaps more "conventional" really. Love the ostinato riffage though. One blemish is that, for some reason, Saunier sounds a bit strained to me on most of the new one.
Deerhoof came through here last year and are coming again in February. They start off their tour this time in Japan with OOIOO and then head over to L.A. with Hella.
http://deerhoof.killrockstars.com/shows.html
Yo La Tengo are coming here in Feb. Acid Mothers Temple are coming here in April. Trans Am too.