Dodos - Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen, London, 2/6/2008
by Chris O'Toole
published: 24 / 5 / 2008

intro
Chris O' Toole finds that, in contrast to their reserved and controlled studio recordings, sundrenched avant-garde American group the Dodos are a loose, faintly shambolic, but ultimately revelatory experience at a show at the Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen in London
The Dodos present an intriguing enigma in the live arena. On record they are reserved, controlled – providing brief, ephemeral bursts of sun-drenched noise amid a more textured, resonating setting. However, free from the shackles of the studio, they are a different proposition entirely. In the vein of the Animal Collective, they are a loose, faintly shambolic, but ultimately revelatory experience. Given their short tenure as a band – the new album, 'Visitor', is only their second, again on French Kiss - they also have a fanatical following as they step onto the stage midway through their first European jaunt. The Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen is in the heart of Shoreditch, and as such can suffer some effete crowds with more substance than style. Yet, no sure scenesters haunt the corners this evening, with a surprisingly diverse range of ages. All of whom appear ready to appreciate what is on offer right from the start. Augmented to a three piece - with a multi-instrumentalist playing a trash can and xylophone at the rear of the stage - Meric Long and Logan Kroeber have a rousing, percussion heavy live show. Long stands front and centre, strumming an acoustic guitar, or finger picking with sublime dexterity. In either mode he plays with passion and ability, forming the focal point of the band. His talent on trombone is also on display later in the show, creating an awed hush the moment it is produced. The stage is shared with Kroeber, who plays mesmeric rhythms on a uniquely shaped drum kit. Included are three floor toms and two cymbals, but no bass drum. This gives the set a light, airy feeling - cutting it from the lower register anchor and allowing it to sail away. Kroeber also plays with a tambourine strapped to his foot to add a further dynamic to the sound. At the best, at full stride, the group is unmatched in intensity. They have a collective feel, which the audience is invited to join in and release themselves from their inhibitions, with the Dodos extending their material in new and unexpected directions. Tunings are diverse and stimulating, with Meric pounding away on the guitar with relentless intensity. Occasionally the band breaks to change tracks, but usually they are allowed to flow and merge to create one hedonistic craze. It has a primitive power, with a modern invention. 'Fools' and 'Jodi' are mixed into the set to rapt applause, but individual tracks matter less than the overall feel of the event. A brief encore follows, with the band unable to leave the small stage due to the confines of the venue, with a welcoming crowd baying for me. The Dodos are certainly on the way up, with an intense live sound well in advance of their more modest recorded performance.
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/dodosmusic/http://www.dodosmusic.net/
https://twitter.com/TheDodos
https://instagram.com/dodosmusic/
Picture Gallery:-


interviews |
Interview (2013) |
![]() |
Fiona Hutchings speaks to former Bluetones front man Mark Morriss about his former band, whether they will ever reform and second solo album, 'A Flash of Darkness' |
Interview (2013) |
live reviews |
Hoxton Bar and Kitchen, London, 4/11/2013 |
![]() |
Gillian Fish watches San Francisco folk blues duo the Dodos play a haunting and captivating show at the Hoxton Bar and Kitchen in London |
ULU, London, 16/9/2008 |
reviews |
Carrier (2013) |
![]() |
Modest and unassuming but unpredictable indie pop on fifth album from San Francisco act the Dodos, and their first since the death of touring guitarist Christopher Reimer last year |
most viewed articles
current edition
Pennyblackmusic - Writers and Photographers' Albums of the Year 2024Peter Perrett - In Dreams Begin Responsibilities Interview Part One
Man From Delmonte - Interview
Clive Langer - Interview
Pennyblackmusic - Book of the Year Award 2024
Johnnie Johnstone - Interview
Marianne Faithfull - Reflections
Laura Nyro - Profile
Johny Brown - Corpse Flower
Vinyl Stories - Vinyl 2024
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPMichael Stuart Ware - Pegasus Epitaph: The Story of the Legendary Rock Group Love
Trudie Myerscough-Harris - Interview
Marianne Faithfull - Interview
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Henry McCullough - Interview
Beautiful South - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Peter Paul and Mary - Interview with Peter Yarrow
Marianne Faithfull - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Dorie Jackson - Stupid Says RunRingo Starr - Look Up
Beabadoobee - This is How The World Moves
Pixie Lott - Encino
Dusty Springfield - The BBC Sessions
Unthanks - In Winter
Joan Armatrading - How Did This Happen and What Does It Mean?
Rosie Lowe - Lover, Other
Oïmiakon - Comptoir Des Vanites
Emily Burns - Die Happy
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart