10 albums of 2008 (#2)
2. The Dodos, Visiter
Two dudes, one on guitar and one on drums, one of them singing, and a female vocalist who occasionally joins insounds like an indie-pop formula that's pretty much been done to death. But the Dodos approach it with a zeal and urgency that make it seem brand new. Part of it is the emphasis on percussion: drummer Logan Kroeber works overtime to provide unusual timing for each song, providing sonic interest without devolving into wank, and guitarist Meric Long follows suit, exploring the potential of the guitar as a rhythmic device. The end result is little indie gems that also provide amazement and pleasure simply as kinetic or propulsive constructions. Endlessly listenable.
Listen: The Dodos, "The Season"