The Dodos take a more somber approach on their latest offering
The Dodos–Carrier
Although it’s clear indie-rock duo The Dodos took a more lyric based approach than usual when writing new album Carrier, the tracks still manage to maintain the same drum/guitar driven vibe we’ve come to know and love from the band. After the death of touring guitarist Christopher Reimer last year, Meric Long switched up his songwriting process, writing lyrics first and music second. There does seem to be an overarching theme of uncertainty and doubt in the lyrics of many of the songs on the album, particularly in tracks like “Substance”; “Confidence”; and “Death” and Reimer’s death does seem to resonate throughout, but the pair still manages to keep things sounding anything but solemn. The songs begin slowly and calmly before breaking into hard-hitting guitar and drum parts that make this album one that somehow sounds better the louder you listen to it.
The band may only be made up of guitarist/singer Meric Long and drummer Logan Kroeber, but their throwback sound and 60’s vibe give them a similar sound to a certain “Fab Four”. I’d recommend Carrier to fans of The Strokes, The Shins and (as much as it pains me to compare anyone to them) The Beatles.
RIYL: Grizzly Bear, Islands, and Animal Collective
Rec: 2,3,4,5,8,9
DNP: None
Label: Polyvinyl Record Co.
Release: 8/27/13
Reviewed by Rachel Trottier
