Pop music spotlight: Deerhoof

Thursday: While most bands that wear the "experimental" name tag can be abrasive and off-putting, this San Francisco area collage-rock trio is unusually warm, cuddly and inviting. Introduced to Twin Cities fans via a Walker Art Center gig in 2003, Deerhoof's charm comes to the forefront on its latest and most accessible -- but still sonically loony -- album, "Deerhoof vs. Evil." The disc even managed to make it onto the mainstream Billboard album chart after its release last month (albeit at No. 147). Who knew that bloopy keyboard parts, explosive guitars and chirping and repetitious vocals could sound so harmonious? U.K. electronic duo Ben Butler & Mousepad open along with local duo HeatdeatH, featuring Fog's Andrew Broder. (9 p.m. Thu. $15. Triple Rock Social Club, 629 Cedar Av. S., Mpls. 612-333-7399.)CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER