The Dodos at Bowery Ballroom, New York – October 2009

Last week I reviewed The Dodo’s third album Time to Die and was a bit negative. I’ll be honest, I thought I had it nailed. However, live performances of albums can both raise and destroy an opinion. Whether a song that did not originally stand out on an album becomes extraordinary or a favourite track does not quite meet expectations, many often come away from a gig with altered perceptions. This is exactly what happened to me. The Dodo’s completely changed my opinion of Time to Die and I felt bad for doubting them. I think I just didn’t have their newest album on loud enough, because live, it was fantastic.

The whole night was great from start to finish. The tracks that I had noted as being strong in my album review did not disappoint, especially Two Medicines. And a few unnoticed treasures snuck out and gave me the much loved gig goose bumps that I so desire when I go to a live performance. Particularly Troll Nacht, which was just lovely. The most memorable part was when the lights were dimmed down and The Dodo’s were bedecked with green, red and blue lights.

Lead singer, Meric Long is a great guitarist and captivating to watch. To his left, the drummer Logan Kroeber is deservedly given the split limelight, indicating the importance of their unique instrumental approach. Behind them, Keaton Snyder plays the vibraphone (both with stringed bows as well as mallets) and more drums and cymbals! Their emphasis on percussion is what I love about The Dodos and the full intensity of it is only realised when seen live.

At the moment Visiter is still my preferred album, and I think the audience were in agreement as their performances of Trolls, Red and Purple and Walking sent everyone crazy. However, Time to Die has gone from my ‘dismissed’ pile and back to my ‘hang on a minute, I’m not sure I’m done with you yet’ pile.

I highly recommend this band live, they are energetic, loud and the finale involved Kroeber going a bit mad and punching his drum kit. Awesome.