Time to Die is the third album of San Francisco band The Dodos and follows on from their outstanding breakthrough album Visiter.
When I heard that The Dodos were releasing a third album and were about to embark on a lengthy tour, I was excited. I really liked Visiter and felt like the band had plenty more to offer my expectant ears. What’s more, while there had been a bit of indie chatter, they hadn’t been hyped too much so they were not weighed down by all that tripe. With the release of Time to Die I was ready for great things to emanate out of my speakers.
The album starts off in terrific Dodos style with Small Deaths; a relentless percussive rhythm that moves at a satisfying pace, making me want to go on a long road trip simply to have The Dodos blasting in the background. I like this track; it is familiar enough to make me happy to be revisiting The Dodo’s style but it also has a little something extra. I think it was the vocals which had a James Mercer (lead singer of The Shins) distant echo quality to them.
Longform follows on from The Dodos signature style, featuring that similar chugging percussive arrangement. It does what I felt a few tracks on Visiter should have done – builds in intensity and wonderful hysteria. At this point in the album the listener can be forgiven for thinking The Dodos have engaged with what was missing from Visiter and have created an album that takes the character and youthful emotions of Visiter and gets a little bit more hectic. However, from The Strums onward, Time to Die blends into beige mediocrity. It is a sad turn in events. Aside from a momentary sparkle with Two Medicines – which has the harmonic frantic nature of an Animal Collective song and a riff that makes you go “Yes! Do more of THAT!” – the album fails to retain the momentum built by the first two tracks.
It is a pleasant enough pop record that I am sure many will enjoy. However, for a Visiter fan such as myself, it just doesn’t measure up. Think of all the great bands around at the moment that are of a similar ilk to The Dodos: Akron/Family, Yeasayer, Beirut, Grizzly Bear and the aforementioned Animal Collective. Considering the competition, Time to Die needed to be an accomplished display of The Dodos unique sound. Unfortunately that requirement was not fulfilled.
However, it’s not all bad. The Dodos are still a good band and definitely one to see live. Their songs have a marvellous energy to them and the best bit about seeing them live is you get to see songs from Visiter too! Excellent!
The Dodos are performing two New York shows. First at the Williamsburg Music Hall on the 13th October and at Bowery Ballroom on the 14th. We will be posting a live review.
Track listing
1. Small Deaths
2. Longform
3. Fables
4. The Strums
5. This is a Business
6. Two Medicines
7. Troll Nacht
8. Acorn Factory
9. A Time to Die
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