The NewMusic First Spin: The Dodos

September 8th, 2009

Two thousand and eight was a banner year for San Francisco duo The Dodos. After three years of going it independently, they signed to Frenchkiss (Les Savy Fav, Cut Off Your Hands, Passion Pit) and earned universal praise for their second album, Visiter, thanks to its inimitable eclecticism based around a blend of airy blues riffing and rimshot-heavy rhythms.

A Miller Chill beer commercial and a third member added later, and the band return with their third album.

Time To Die is grim only in its name. While Visiter had an array of emotions and arrangements, the mood of Time To Die is relatively laissez-faire, which helps the now trio to settle into their songs without sounding like they’re about to explode from exhaustion.

With Keaton Snyder now adding some added texture with the vibraphone, Meric Long (guitar) and Logan Kroeber (drums) have the space to explore melody more than even before. That said, there’s also more of a sameness the Time To Die that makes this the band’s most accessible yet harmonious effort yet.

Snyder’s shimmering vibes show their influence when they beautifully fuse with Long’s undulating guitar on “Troll Nacht.” “Longform” revisits Visiter’s percussionist blasts best, with Long and Kroeber battling against each other as they ascend to an apex that sees the guitarist teach a clinic on how to finger-pick an acoustic with heavy metal ferocity.

“The Strums” lives up to its title, as Long perpetually twangs his six-stringer with the sort of looped effect that shoegazers obsessed over. It’s the rich melodies that make it a standout, however, especially when the understated horns permeate the wall of sound.

The epic title track appears almost like a coda, using some crescendo to bring closure to what’s certainly an album these guys can ride into much wider exposure. Throw in another beer ad (take a pick) and a few late night appearances and The Dodos are destined to overtake (and outlive) that extinct bird they’re named after.

Listen to it here

Artist: The Dodos
Album:Time To Die
Release Date: September 15, 2009
Label: Frenchkiss Records
Genre: Indie Rock
Author: Cam Lindsay
First Spin Live Until: September 22, 2009