This week, our podcast features The Dodos, a San Francisco band who need little introduction if you’ve been following indie rock over the past few years. The group’s third album, Time to Die, came out this month, after an advance digital release spurred by an early album leak. 2008’s Visiter fulfilled the anticipation built by years of relentless touring, receiving universally strong reviews that catapulted the band into the international spotlight. This being The Dodos, the release was followed by another year of relentless touring, and then, a break. For a band so used to a frenzy, the time off must have been a little startling, begging the question: what comes next?
The answer is another great record, one that finds Meric Long and Logan Kroeber growing considerably as a band while continuing to craft great songs. With the addition of vibraphone player Keaton Snyder, they’ve added another hyper-talented musician whose playing is simultaneously melodic and rhythmic. Perhaps attributable to recording the album with Phil Ek (Built to Spill, Fleet Foxes), the new album reigns in some of Visiter‘s bombast; whether you think that’s a good thing or not, it means that small flourishes and big melodies get to shine equally as bright. Recent shows confirm that they’re still one of the best live bands around, and we expect (and hope for) continued success for the group in the future.
We sat down with Meric and Logan to discuss the new album, working with Phil Ek and more. We’ve also included four songs from Time to Die and Visiter in the episode.
Upcoming Shows:
The Dodos kick off a national tour this month. After that tour, they’ll be heading back to Europe. Check their MySpace page for more details.
Saturday, September 26th
Henry Miller Library (Big Sur)
with Papercuts, The Ruby Suns and The Mumlers
5pm, $28.50
