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The Dodos - London, ULU - 16.09.08
On its release ‘Visiter’, the Dodos' second release, was met with much critical praise - yet inexplicably failed to make any big dents in the music scene. So it was with some shock when I discovered they were playing at ULU, on this their second UK headline tour and due to the fact their performance at this years V festival attracted about 30 people. I was even more surprised when I heard that the tour support was Euros Childs, former singer of welsh cult favourites Gorky's Zygotic Mynci. It seems however the power of the internet has done the Dodos wonders, with stories of their greatness being passed by word of mouth through internet message boards and the such like as judging by the amount of people present for their set.

Throughout the set they are fantastically energetic, which is somewhat strange as front man Meric Long spends the entire set sat down. They easily switch between the country-tinged guitar play of ‘Paint the Rust’ to Death Cab For Cutie-esque track ‘The Season’ With Long’s superb control of his acoustic guitar shining through.

It would be quite easy to see Logan Kroeber as a metal drummer, it is after all his drumming background. His drumming style brings on mental images of Hella’s Zach Hill on a tight rhythmic leash, easily as apt of the Hella sticksman but a lot more controlled in his drumming. Coupled with Long’s guitar it makes for a perfect pairing and with the added spectacle of an extra set of hands on percussion bashing the hell out of anything that makes a noise it makes for a truly spellbinding set. The crowd are enthralled throughout the set with ‘Visiter’s stand out track ‘Fools’ receiving a large cheer and even a hushed singalong to the songs main hook. From this performance it seems undoubtable that there are bigger things destined for the Dodos, whether or not it happens is to be seen.


Matt Harris

The Dodos official website: http://www.dodosmusic.net/