Two years ago, San Francisco’s Dodos were in the process of smoothing out the more abrasive elements of their sound, cutting back on the clattering drums and frantic strumming in order to better highlight their gift for writing sticky, bittersweet pop songs. But with the recent release of fourth album No Color, it seems the duo has recognized those noisy proclivities are a vital part of their DNA, an element (maybe the element) that makes them more than just another indie-folk band. With their melodic knack still intact and a renewed sense of stylistic vigor, the Dodos are back to being exciting.
This article appears in Sep 1-7, 2011.