The Dodos
Individ (Polyvinyl)
Reviewed by Abby Johnston, Fri., March 20, 2015
The Dodos
Individ (Polyvinyl)Within seconds of winding, melodic interplay between Meric Long's guitar and Logan Kroeber's anthem-ready drumming, there's zero doubt you're back in the sphere of San Francisco duo the Dodos. Sixth album in a decade, Individ proves that a winning formula rarely faulters. "Competition" reverts to the primitivism of 2008's Visiter, stripped of Long's waxing licks and letting Kroeber's intricate patterns shine. "Bubble" employs the same vocal warmth Long brought to Time to Die, landing among the Dodos' growing arsenal of single-ready pop chops. Opener "Precipitation" remains the best primer for Individ – effortless, dynamic guitar work, bold percussion, and soaring, harmonized epiphanies that brand the band's oeuvre. No mold-breaking here, and for that we're grateful. (Wed., 10pm, Bungalow; Thu., 11pm, Cheer Up Charlies)
