BAEBLE CONCERTS: The Dodos at The Spiegeltent

There was a bit of irony involved when we ventured to NYC's most carnivalistic of venues, Spiegelworld. The magnificent, wood and canvas tent that sits oh so awesomely on Pier 17 derives its' name from a Dutch word meaning mirror tent; an appropriate reference as it's a place plump full of plenty of aesthetic allusion and deception. But The Dodos, the band who sold out the venue, are none of that. Theirs' is a craft that offers absolutely nothing to hide behind. Theirs' is a brand of boozy, electric roots that's elemental, yet completely unique unto them.

Combining Meric Long's whiplash strokes on a couple of visibly bullied, acoustic guitars, Logan Kroeber's explosive barrage of stout and strong percussive rhythms - themselves bashed out on drums that most closely resemble a set of marching quads, and newcomer Joe Haener's ornamental fills of swelling vibraphone (plus the occasion thwack! on a metal garbage can), The Dodos set power and pulse to Long's beseeching vocal melodies. The results are powerhouse highlights like "Red and Purple", "Fools", and "Jodi". - david pitz