Actually, You Can

Actually, You Can is the 18th studio album by Deerhoof, released in 2021. Recorded during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the album represents a peak in the band's self-sufficiency, with the members handling all production duties remotely. Sonically, it leans heavily into 'baroque-pop-meets-thrash-metal,' characterized by intricate, interlocking guitar parts from Ed Rodriguez and John Dieterich that evoke the counterpoint of Bach played through blown-out amplifiers. Lyrically, the album is one of their most overtly political, tackling themes of manufactured scarcity, carceral systems, and the power of collective imagination. Critics noted that despite the heavy subject matter, the album maintains the band's signature sense of playfulness and 'DIY' spirit. It stands as a testament to their longevity, proving they can still innovate within their established noise-rock framework while sharpening their thematic focus.