Pulsating syncopation and scattered rhythms have always been the
cornerstones of the Dodos’ strangely attractive music. Time to
Die is no exception. Logan Kroeber’s frenetic drumbeats guide the
jagged fingerpicking of singer-guitarist Meric Long. This time,
however, the duo adds a third member: Keaton Snyder laces electric
vibraphone into many of the songs. The additional instrument doesn’t
change the Dodos’ fundamental sound, but the songwriting has evolved.
Last year’s Visiter captured a visceral primitiveness, while
Time to Die features a more polished, grander sound. This can
partly be attributed to producer Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, the Shins).
Unfortunately, the vibrancy and urgency that make the Dodos a force of
nature are missing from many of the songs. “Fables” sticks to a basic
thump-a-thump-thump throb, and “Acorn Factory” is a pretty but
forgettable tune. Textural energy still shines through on “This Is a
Business,” where feverish drumming builds and abruptly stops, only to
come back to life furiously. Long’s layered harmonies and classical
guitar picking are still intriguing, but the band’s missing arrhythmic
pulse leaves something to be desired. — Danielle Sills
This article appears in Sep 23-29, 2009.
