After the Dodos wrapped up their fifth album in 2013 (which was inspired by the death of former bandmate Calgary guitarist Chris Reimer of Women), the San Francisco duo stayed holed up in the studio and immediately began writing a follow-up. The songs came quickly and steadily, and the resulting Individ is the best the band has sounded in years.
Guitarist/vocalist Meric Long continues to move away from acoustic guitar, breaking it out only when it’s shunted between layers of amped-up strumming. Meanwhile, drummer Logan Kroeber keeps up his role as the hardy percussive backbone, the support that allows Long to experiment with off-kilter melodies and dissonant fuzz.
Although the album’s frenetic energy doesn’t quite match that of their breakthrough (whether they like it or not, 2008’s Visiter will always be their benchmark), it’s a solid new direction.
Top track: Bubble
The Dodos play the Horseshoe March 3.
