Deerhoof Collaborates with Saul Williams for New Single “Under Rats”
Title: Resisting the Noise: An Intimate Look at the New Album from Greg Saunier’s Band, Inspired by Saul Williams
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In a world that often feels drenched in despair, the new album from Greg Saunier’s avant-garde ensemble emerges as a lighthouse amidst the storm. While grappling with the metaphoric darkness of our times, the band channels the urgency of the moment, echoing the sentiment that rings true in the words of poet and musician Saul Williams: “Almost as bad as the crimes of the ruling class are the crimes that enable them.”
Saunier, known as the powerhouse drummer of the iconic noise-rock band Deerhoof, opens up about the process of creating this deeply introspective and politically charged collection of songs. “There were so many times,” he confides, “when we were making our new record that we became almost overwhelmed with doubt. We’d question, ‘What’s the point of music when genocide is standard fare and the murderers are the most rewarded people in society?’”
It’s a dark question, one that lingers in the air like a specter hovering over every chord and lyric. Yet for Saunier and his bandmates, the answer lies in the very act of creation. “Saul Williams was and is someone we look to,” he explains. “Who’s doing it like Saul? He’s been there every day with poetry, with grief, with news that oligarch-owned media doesn’t touch for months. Making us all feel less alone.”
Saunier recounts the first time he encountered Williams—a chance meeting at a modest music festival in Switzerland, where he was performing alongside guitarist Marc Ribot. Williams, who had taken the stage with a string quartet and an aura of transcendence, left a lasting impression on the drummer. “When it was over, Saul, Marc, and I talked American politics backstage for hours,” he reminisces. “I immediately felt I’d become acquainted with someone I would respect for a lifetime. I’ve been grateful ever since.”
The interplay of music, art, and activism runs deep in Saunier’s forthcoming project. It’s an exploration of the intersecting layers of grief and resistance, an emotional tapestry that invites listeners to confront uncomfortable truths while finding solace in shared experiences. With Williams as a guiding star, the band reshapes their narrative, embodying the belief that art can ignite change while forging connections.
“Expressing ourselves is how we find our chosen family,” Saunier asserts, underscoring the inherent power of music to rekindle hope and instigate dialogue about the pressing issues of our time. The record melds frenetic rhythms with poignant melodies, puncturing the apathy that often blankets contemporary culture.
As the album gears up for its release, the band is already generating buzz for its commitment to authenticity and heart. Saunier’s reflections remind us that while the world outside may be fraught with chaos, the music that emerges from such challenges possesses a unique beauty and purpose.
In a time where many artists wrestle with their role in a fractured society, Saunier’s band stands resolute, channeling the spirit of Saul Williams and striving to speak for the voiceless. They remind us that every note played and every lyric sung can be an act of defiance, a way to reclaim agency in an age defined by suffering.
Keep an ear to the ground; this new offering promises to be more than just a collection of songs—it’s a rallying cry for those yearning for connection, community, and the healing power of music.
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