AWmusic

The Dodos’ last album Visiter was fucking great. Armed with an acoustic guitar, I felt like what they did was just astounding. They experimented a whole lot making fun little pop songs as well as fine crafted 7 minute tracks. Visiter really encompassed an album few ever really achieve. It’s an album I still enjoy very much.

You’d think that if it was “Time To Die’, with your swan song youwould go out with a bang. Unfortunately for The Dodos, with dying – they have chosen a much safer path. Sounding A LOT like the Shins, The Dodos have made a good but not great album. The Shins have a safe sound, and I love them. They’ve done it for years and I like them for it. For The Dodos it seems bittersweet as you know they are capable of much more. No more experimenting on 1 minute songs and less amazing guitar work. The only real experimenting I see is Two Medicines which happens to have an addicting but annoying intro. You do get to see a glimpse of their old style on Longform which has a sped up pace.

While, I am emerged in their negatives, The Dodos are still good. They add a vibraphone to their sound and while I don’t think it adds much they are still good in a Shins-esque way.

It’s just more of yes, it’s good but not great. It’s way too held back. For some that’s nice but more boring for me.

Rating: 3.75 out of 5
The album is enjoyable to listen to. The Dodos are a talented band. They probably could do just about anything. I just can’t get over myself and the high expectations. It fails them as the band is capable of so much more. It shouldn’t be getting The Shins comparisons, as they could easily leave them behind.

Two Medicines by The Dodos
Small Deaths by The Dodos

Tags: album