The Dodos

I saw The Dodos in Christchurch, New Zealand at a local venue called Al's Bar in January 2009. The show was amazing, not to mention the opener was The Ruby Suns (you all know the window's commercials...Oh Mojave). Anyway, the show was fantastic, the band took all the time necessary to talk and sign autographs with fans, even sat down for a couple of drinks. Wonderful guys who put on an even better show! 10 out of 10! I recommend them HIGHLY!

The Dodos played their heart out last night. They were really into the crowd. And came out for two encores. They did not disappoint.

These guys owned it, it was like watching the tribal war cry of modern music. Guitars were amazing, looped and layered beautifully, and to be honest mind boggling at points, the drums were so unbelievably tight and the communication between the two ...... like a tribal drum circle of awesomeness... with guitars. I would recommend any of their shows to anyone. This was by far one of the best shows I've attended in a long time..Well Done Dodos!! Thanks

The Dodos possess an innovation and talent level that is not seen as much in music anymore. The addition of the Magik Magik orchestra really complimented the intricacies of the Dodos' music, and the individual orchestra performances were absorbing and interesting as well.

One of the best live performances I have ever seen, musical prowess was unbelievable. Almost too good.

Some songs worked better than others; adding drums emphasized Logan's always powerful drumming. Keaton was sidelined a LOT, somewhat understandably, I would have welcomed a return of the toy piano to Red and Purple. Overall, the songs that usually rock the hardest (Fools, Red and Purple) gained scope and depth from the orchestra, but lost bite and crunch in the process. The best songs were naturally the more melodic ones. Overall, a risky experiment that was more rewarding than perplexing, and highlighted the Dodos' songcraft and the Orchestra's talented arranging.

I knew this would be a great show, but no one could have foreseen the perfection of dodos backed by a 26-piece orchestra. WHOA. My mind was blown WIDE OPEN.

An unforgettable performance with the Dodos playing with Magik Magik orchestra.

The Dodos are amazing. They create a huge, multi-layered sound with intricate guitar work, insistent drumming, and keys that complement and create a subtle background.

Fantastic show. The drummer carried it. Saw them a year and a half ago at the hi-dive with about 50 people and wasn't sure how they'd do with a bigger venue/audience but was pleasantly surprised.

The dodos rocked with groovin' tribal beats! Who wouldn't want to move to that?!

Ok, so I was so excited to see the DoDo's but really, I was more impressed with the Ruby Suns to be honest. I really am not a huge fan of the DoDo's recent album, I could do without the heavy reliance of the drums. That said, the sound was really poor. If you stood at the back of the venue or behind the soundbooth it was better but up front it was too loud and you really couldn't hear the music the way you should have been able to. The Ruby Suns were great and the sound was great. I will say this, it was obvious that everyone tried to put on a heck of a show. There was a moment during the end that last forever... they were beating on drums and playing the xylaphone for what seemed like an eternity of the same notes... All in all I am glad I went but I think they could have planned and made sure the sound was better. It was a bit of a dissapointment because you expect greatness due to their prior albums.

This was an excellent show. I love seeing bands in a small venue like the Middle East. I was front and center and about 2 feet away from both the singer and drummer. The Dodos had a very interesting sound , with primarily guitar and drums with some sort of xylophone chimes for backup. The drummer had a very irregular setup with no bass drum at all, but that didnt stop him from his fast pace beats and his signature rim tapping techniques. The guitarist did alot of very fast and precise finger picking for a lot of their songs and he did every song i knew flawlessly, while singing too. This band sounded much better live than their recordings.

Had no idea how into it this band would be. I knew it would be strummy but wow-dancing all over the stage this dude kicked ...u know what. Ruby Suns was the band I went to see but the Dodos ruled. Cool show.

Great show. Thought the Dodos started strong, cooled off slightly, and then finished strong.

They were so fantastic live, I couldn't imagine it having been any better. All they guys are amazing at what they do, and their passion for their music is contagious. I plan to see them every time they come to town.

Fantastic band. Would have enjoyed the show MUCH more if there weren't drunk 19 year olds in the crowd starting fights. Hopefully in the future security would be much more conscious of letting kids in who are clearly intoxicated and not mature enough to be in such a setting.

They show was a ton of fun and they were great performers. They didnt talk that much and just performed the entire time. I had a fun time.

I didn't love the sound of Bowery Ballroom, but The Dodos had enough energy to fill the entire venue. This is my 2nd time going to hear The Dodos, and I would go again if I were given the opportunity.

The show was great, but i wish the stage was higher or there was more stadium like seating. its really hard to see the stage. but the dodos were great and i would definitely see them again.

Set at the Cambridge at the House of Blues, the Dodos' Dallas performance was intimate and exciting. By the end of the night the crowd was jammin' and asking for more. Sound quality was good, and when the band members spoke into the microphones you could actually understand them! Overall, a great performance - I definitely suggest attending and would go again myself. P.S. The performance of Fools was my favorite song they performed and it was EXCELLENT!

The Ruby Suns opened for the Dodos on Oct 2 at the House of Blues in Dallas, Tx. The Ruby Suns had solid music that, while enjoyable and fast-paced, had a lot of sampling instead of pure live music. The band, while playing was quite energetic and versitile, constantly switching instruments and roles for various songs, but the ammount of sampled music meant many songs had one member standing calmly or playing a single note while the tempo of the music was fast; slightly disorienting to watch but, as i said, still good to listen to. The Dodos were everything I expected, playing a variety of songs from all of their albums with the twists on the norm one would expect from musicians of this caliber. I was anticipating Jodi from the start of the set and they made it even better than i'm used to. Go see them, because words are inadequate to describe the Dodos live.

The Dodos were fantastic. Their live performance was energetic and they delivered a sweet show. Meric alternated between three guitars, one of which was quite worn but sounded sweet. Logan was in the zone and tore it up. I still don't know who the third member was but he fit in quite well. After they finished their set the crowd kept cheering so they came back for one more song.

I don't get a chance to see many shows, and never before have I been blown away by an opening band i've never heard of. They were contagiously fun and rocking out badass at the same time. Awesome live show with the singer goin at some drums set up along the front of the stage. Dodos were awesome, lots of energy and love the new stuff.

They took their music to the next level and just rocked out.

The Dodos break a sweat about five minutes into their set and so did I. Loved the jangly guitar and the bowing of the vibraphones.

The Dodos at The Rickshaw Stop in SF 8-26-09 Fantastic. Really, really great band. Seriously talented. Amazing energy. The whole place (sold out crowd) was overcome with happiness and jumping up and down. After an incredible set the crowd called them back for two awesome multi-song encores. Highly recommend you see The Dodos live.

music was great. looking for something different? check em out.

Dodos are San Francisco natives, and it was like they had a special show in mind for their homecoming. Awesome energy, almost perfect (for me) setlist, and TWO encores. TWO! One of which was the first three songs from Visiter in a row! Definitely one of the best live shows I've been to in a while.

When I first listened to the Dodos on Spotify, I was satisfied with their music, expecting the concert to be a very chill, Young the Giant-ish type concert. Well was I proven wrong. Two guys come on stage and create a symphony of music with just a guitar and drums. Their technical prowess really showed in each rhythm and beat and note that they played. They put on such a spectacular performance with such a different sound than you have heard. Although they may be quiet personalities, they let their instruments do all the talking. Imagine 'Muse' said to themselves-hey guys, let's try being Radiohead for a while. That's what I felt when I went to this concert. If you appreciate very technical skill with some African drum beats, acoustic, and alt. metal thrown in there, you will love the Dodos. Great show!!

The band takes a lot of credit for making this night memorable. Hearing them live is probay the most exciting experience. Both musicians are clearly very talented and deliver the same beauty and care with their music, if not more, that they do on a recording. The venue was great! All spots were great for standing. The front was ideal just because it's easier to swoon at the band! But truly you would enjoy the concert from any spot! The bathrooms were clean and the bar was nice. I was glad I had a spot to check my coat, however at the end of the concert it took about 30 min to wait in line and actually get my coat. But other than that, it was incredible and I was very pleased with the concert.

Such a fantastic concert! One of the absolute best I've been to. Couldn't believe the energy and true passion that the performers put into their performance. If you have a chance to go see The Dodos, DO SO. Also, what a great venue for such an intimate performance. It was perfect.

The sound system was messed up, I could barely hear the singing, and there set was too SHORT!!!

The show was a lot of fun and they had a GREAT lineup!

I have seen the Dodos twice before live and they are one of my favorite bands. Meric Long's voice is absolutely incredible and they are one of the few bands out there that actually sounds better live. The venue was perfect for the show. I wasn't a fan of the Luyas before the show, but they were a perfect complement to the Dodos and I definitely will be seeing them again.

The Dodos were great as expected, but I must say The Luyas, having never heard of them, stole the show. It was a great surprise. Come back to New York as soon as you can.

I had first heard The Dodos on my Pandora station for Angus and Julia Stone. I love chill, folkie music with great instrumentals. I was so amped for the concert, because the venue is just down the street from us. The Paradise Rock Club is alright, but being that I'm a grad student I found the other concert goers a bit annoying. The opener, Gauntlet Hair, was AWFUL! They were a horrible choice for an opening band for the more mature and serious Dodos. The lead drummer took his shirt off after the first song in order to make all of the teeny bopper hipsters swoon. He looked like he hadn't showered in weeks and kept spitting on the ground. At one point he spit IN THE AIR and watched in satisfaction as it came down on himself, the guitarist, and a few less than thrilled audience members. He was an alright drummer, but definitely brought the rest of the band down. I felt bad for the guitarist on stage left who was obviously shy and insanely talented. Hopefully he finds a new group to join in coming years. After their set, a skanky (also unshowered) girl and a fat blonde covered in tattoos went searching for the drummer and bassist. They came back halfway through The Dodos set, pushing and shoving their way up to the front like an entitled mass of trash. While my boyfriend and I were enjoying The Dodos we noticed the devil's foursome jumping in the air and starting a mosh pit...at The Dodos concert...for real? The venue is NOT big so you can't help but see everyone's everything. This was NOT lost on G.Hair and they pretty much wanted all of the attention on them. It was a shame, because for me and the people near me, it took away some of the fun of the ACTUAL reason we all came there for--to see and hear The Dodos. So, one star for G.Hair (because the music wasn't bad) and 3 starts for Dodos.

The music was amazing! Small, but comfortable venue.

The show was amazing. The opening band played decently and they were entertaining, but the dodos were amazing. The set order was perfect and the arrangements of the songs were very enthusiastic.

I love the Dodos, I just wish they had devoted a little more time on their older albums. About 70% of the songs were from their new album, which I personally don't feel is as good as the others. Other than that, Bowery ballroom is a cool venue except for the way-too-expensive-watered-down drinks.

The Dodos and openers Gauntlet Hair were fantastic! Great pairing of percussion-centric bands.

They were fantastic as always. I did prefer their previous lineup with the vibes player. Their auxiliary guitarist seemed detached from what was going on. Still, the core group performed excellently, and the whole band sounded great. My only real compliant is that I wish they had gone on for longer.

They performed beautifully. His vocals were great. Was also amazing to hear the tracks from Visiter played with Elec. gtr. YES!

The Dodos are really good live, lots of percussion and a high energy level makes for a fantastic show!

The Dodos know how to put on an incredible show. They know how to write good music but when you see them live you take on a whole new appreciation. Why aren't these guys selling out huge venues?! They are my favorite underrated indie band. Awesome.

The dodos drum and strum so hard and in harmony, it's mind blowing. Great energy, intimate setting, awesome show.

Their music is a force that will move you. The volume level was just right. The drumming was phenomenal.

Overall -- the show was too short. Exactly an hour, I think?? I'm not incredibly familiar with all the The Dodo's discography, but it didn't seem like they played more than 3 not-new songs. That being said, I definitely dug all the songs! These dudes are great. They just needed to play a little longer!

The band was good of course, but not very talkative. It was too loud, and the sound was very muddy, which I blame on the Bluebird. Left before the encore was over, with my ears ringing.

Great show. Percussion-driven, folksy but edgy with a rock soul. Depth and skill involved - beautiful while being head-banging. Highly recommended.

this was my third time seeing the Dodos in concert, and I loved it just as much as I did the first time. Their songs were well put-together and cohesive. They played a good variety of songs from The Visitor, Time to Die, and their newest album.

I liked the Dodos before the concert, but they are so good live I now LOVE the Dodos. I was entralled by the drummer - my new fave drummer - ever!; I was entranced by the lead singer/guitarist's ability to wordsmith, emote and shred at guitar. The other guy just stood there.

One of the best shows I've been to in a while. I was surprised by the energy of the show (and the crowd) in comparison to their recorded stuff. My only gripe is that Meric's guitar was too low in the mix for half the show. The sound guy eventually woke up and gave him a bit more level but I would have liked even more.

Love these guys! Will be there to see them again when they come back.

Great crowd. I was hoping for more from Visiter but their new album No Color is sweet. I can't complain. I'm definitely going to see them again.

This show couldn't have been better. One of my favorite bands, playing with an orchestra and choir at the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts. The Dodos sounded wonderful and the accompanying orchestra and choir enhanced their already amazing songs without being overpowering. If they had played a second night I absolutely would have gone.

a superb collaboration. the dodos were extrordinary!

From the perspective of a musician: This was my third time seeing the Dodos live. As a composer, I was dead excited to see the collaboration of one of my newer faves in the SF music scene collaborate with the Magik Magik Orchestra, a group I have just recently started hearing things about. I adored the way the set was divided into acts, and it felt really well put together. No matter where you were in the venue, it had an element of intimacy, which was really nice. The arrangements were refreshing, and Meric Long's voice and guitar talents pull the entire evening off. However, I was frustrated to see Magik Magik's choir sitting, and hiding behind their music books. If you're singing, it's very difficult to get the full range and consistency of the voice when in the sitting position. It constricts the breathing, and you can't make full use of your diaphragm. It also makes it difficult to sing the correct pitch. Especially since they had moments in the mix where they were supposed to stand out, and solo-- it was ear-cringing to think I paid money for that type of performance. It just seemed very unprofessional. I was disappointed by that. I realize they might be trying to be alternative in their aesthetic, convention, and music style... but still... if you can't hit the notes you're supposed to sing... then consider that the convention and singing techniques are developed for a reason. Regarding the stage production: I with the venue used their resources for lighting in a better fashion. It appeared as if the light-board operator was fumbling for the correct faders on the console to light areas on the stage. Areas that weren't supposed to be in focus would come up, and principles would be in the dark throughout the set. Perhaps marking the board with tape? Or creating cues would help this? Again, I loved the show. Please consider that I adored the performance and it made me think, and consider things as a musician and performer. I realize that this was a first time collaboration, and a new thing for the Dodos and Magik Magik to do together. That said, that's why I would recommend this to a friend.

Brilliant collaboration. Outstanding performance. Terrific sound. Jazzed audience. It all came together to make this a one of a kind show that totally blew me away. There seems to be two kinds of Dodos fans; those that thrive on the engery created at the band's live performances and those that are touched by the sweet side and depth of the band's music. This show clearly was for the latter group.