A mass of baby rats featured in Rat Film. MEMORY/Screenshot by NPR hide caption

The xx (clockwise from upper left), Cate Le Bon, Frank Ocean and Dan Deacon. Courtesy of the artists hide caption

In January, Mucca Pazza set a Tiny Desk record by fitting 23 members onstage. Colin Marshall/NPR hide caption

Dan Deacon will release his new album, Feel The Lightning, on Feb. 24. Frank Hamilton/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Dan Deacon's new album, Gliss Riffer, comes out Feb. 24. Frank Hamilton/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Gliss Riffer is the latest and perhaps most accessible album by electronic knob-twister Dan Deacon. Frank Hamilton/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Dan Deacon Shawn Brackbill/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Dan Deacon plays NPR Music's SXSW showcase at Stubb's Wednesday night. Katie Hayes Luke for NPR hide caption

Dan Deacon at home in his practice space. WQXR hide caption

St. Vincent's Annie Clark recreates the pummeling sounds of Big Black, backed by the Dirty Projectors rhythm section. Wills Glasspiegel for NPR hide caption

Dan Deacon. Frank Hamilton hide caption

All Songs Considered hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton rented a cabin in the woods for a special holiday party, with Kishi Bashi, Dan Deacon, Carrie Brownstein, and more as guests. Mike Brinson/Getty Images hide caption

Dan Deacon Shawn Brackbill/Courtesy of the artist hide caption