Deerhoof is a band that needs little introduction. They have lived on the fringe of what noises are even possible to make since they first formed in 1994, and Breakup Song, the follow-up to 2011’s Deerhoof Vs. Evil, is no different.

The album stretches what normal instruments can do: strange woodwinds combine with astounding electronic backing and the standard plaintive vocals that work as a counterpoint to the intricate backing sounds. Breakup Song is a joy to listen to, which isn’t a commonly heard refrain about Deerhoof’s often heavy sound. But tracks like “Breakup Songs” and “Zero Seconds Pause” are simply fun tracks. The whole album breezes by while being completely engaging and enveloping while also being just light enough to avoid the listener experiencing a complete sensory shutdown. Nothing goes wrong here — this is a great record. Period.

(Polyvinyl Record Company, 206 N. Randolph Street, Suite M100, Champaign, IL 61820)