The Dodos

Like a less frenetic Animal Collective, The Dodos' members combine country-blues finger picking and tribal drumming in a way that's propelled them to the forefront of experimental folk music. Last year's Visiter aims to capture the bouts of passionate singing and explosive drum rhythms that characterize the band's live sets.

The Dodos are a San Francisco duo who build a clattering sound out of minimal elements — just acoustic guitar, drums and voice. The band visited the BPP studios to play songs from their new disc, Visiter.

The message of "Small Deaths" moves beyond the mostly internal narratives of The Dodos' early material, and instead opts for eco-conscious metaphors to go with more personal reflection. Far more than just a vehicle for The Dodos' inventive instrumentation, "Small Deaths" makes a full connection with brains and feet alike.

It was an unusually strong year for great unknown artists. While bigger, more established bands continued to attract the most attention, smaller, lesser-known acts made the most memorable music of 2008. All of the great unknown artists featured here made music that was inspired, original and heartfelt.

The Dodos' music combines the propulsive drive of Sonic Youth with the odd pop quirks of Animal Collective — surprising, given that the band only has two members. Meric Long and Logan Kroeber combine brisk guitar work and pounding drums to chaotic and ethereal effect.

The Dodos were touring heavily during the creation of their latest album, Visiter, so it seemed natural for the band to try to replicate their live sets once they got to the recording studio. The propulsive energy they were able to capture helps push Visiter into bold new territory for The Dodos. Their sound has matured, the songs are more developed and it's a vividly textured album that mixes prog-psyche folk with poly-rhythms and ephemeral themes.

Meric Long and Logan Kroeber write experimental folk as The Dodos. Their music is intricate and often intense, with quick guitar picking, drum clicks, and tribal beats. The duo's new CD is Beware the Maniacs.

The message of "Small Deaths" moves beyond the mostly internal narratives of The Dodos' early material, and instead opts for eco-conscious metaphors to go with more personal reflection. Far more than just a vehicle for The Dodos' inventive instrumentation, "Small Deaths" makes a full connection with brains and feet alike.

The Dodos' music combines the propulsive drive of Sonic Youth with the odd pop quirks of Animal Collective — surprising, given that the band only has two members. Meric Long and Logan Kroeber combine brisk guitar work and pounding drums to chaotic and ethereal effect.