Not to be confused with Deerhunter, which I used to do early on, Deerhoof definitely falls into that category of local ‘experimental’ bands. Like most bands in this genre, I usually have one of two reactions – 1) the band is being weird for the sake of being weird or 2) I’m intrigued by the tension created by the music’s unexpected shifts and dissonance. Deerhoof falls into the latter category for me.Listen to ‘Offend Maggie’:
I don’t know much about Oakland-based girl band, Dreamdate, other than their tunes are short, catchy and make me feel good. And at the end of the day, isn’t that all that matters? Listen for yourself and see.
Listen to ‘Why Don’t You Make Me’:
San Francisco-based Film School is just the kind of psych/garage rock, newgaze sound I like. Listening to them is like a game of ‘Name that Tune’ or early 90s musical influence – The Jesus and Mary Chain… My Bloody Valentine… New Order. Whatever the case, it all sounds good to me. Even better live.
Listen to ‘Two Kinds’:
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the OCMD 
Who is your audience for these posts? If it’s people not familiar with the indie scene, then I can see your point of probably not having heard of bands like Deerhoof or Film School. But otherwise, I feel like you may be underestimating how popular they are. Deerhoof has released multiple critically well-received albums including at least two that got Best New Music on P4k–say what you will about P4k, people pay attention to them–and they’ve gotten thousands of mentions on blogs. Film School isn’t quite as well-known but they do have a significant following as well.
Well, I did say *probably*. And certainly Deerhoof and Film School are some of the more popular artists on my list. But be prepared! I have The Dodos and Port O’Brien on the list too. My guess is that for most people coming to this site the 80/20 rule would apply. 80% of the bands in this series will be new for readers. 20% not. But in your case, as a fellow blogger (one that i read too!) and music junkie, the reverse is probably the likely scenario. Regardless, I don’t aim to judge or to offend – just share.