Oregon Music News

The Dodos — 11:55 PM

The Dodos by Charlie Villyard

The San Francisco-based, genre-defying duo of songwriter and guitarist Meric Long and drummer Logan Kroeber write catchy folk-pop songs that are catching people’s attention. Eschewing comparisons to any specific genre, Kroeber’s percussion is front and center in their sound and Long’s intricate finger-picking contributes to the group’s syncopated rhythms and percussive feel. With influences that range from world music and African drumming all the way to ’80s new wave pop, their sentimental melodies have evolved since Long released his first EP under the moniker Dodo Bird in 2005.

The name Dodos began with a chance encounter with a clairvoyant–an old woman in a coffee shop who had a message for Long: He needed to spread his wings, or he’d be a Dodo Bird. Long liked the way it sounded, and when it came time to give a name to his first solo EP, he used it. Shortly after, Long invited Kroeber to join him in recording, and as they began to tour, the name evolved into The Dodos.

In 2009, the duo added another bird to their nest, Keaton Snyder who plays another member of the percussion family–an electric vibraphone–cousin to the xylophone. The addition of Snyder filled out the band’s minimalist sound and together, they made their way to Seattle to collaborate with producer Phil Ek (Built to Spill, Fleet Foxes, The Shins), on their most recent release, Time to Die.

The Dodos spent the first half of their summer touring the US and Canada with The New Pornographers, and in August, packed their truck full of “every instrument known to man” and trekked their way back to Portland’s Type Foundry studios where they also recorded 2006′s Beware the Maniacs and 2008’s Visiter, to work once again with recorder/producer John Askew through the fall.

This is a performance that is likely to sell out, so get your tickets early!

Watch: “A Time to Die” Live at The Mural by The Dodos

Suckers — 11 PM

With each member often playing multiple instruments and singing during a song, Suckers is “the sheer enjoyment of three one-man bands playing together.” Members Quinn Walker, Austin Fisher, Pan and Brian Aiken hail from Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where their local following is thrilled that their latest album Wild Smile has seen the light of day.

On tour with Menomena from September through mid-October across the US and Canada and then onto Europe with Yeasayer, the band’s sound has drawn comparisons to fellow New Yorker’s Talking Heads.

Get ready to go a little crazy with this psychedelic-folk foursome and join in the free-spirited mayhem.

Watch: “Black Sheep” by Suckers

Dirty Mittens — 10 PM

Dirty Mittens by Sarah Wilmer

Portland’s own Dirty Mittens has been creating a sonic mélange of doo-wop, dance pop and soul led by the distinctive vocal stylings of front-woman Chelsea Morrisey since 2006. Now a five-piece, the band has had their name “dropped” on the CW’s new show Life Unexpected, but you can expect your spirits to be lifted as your feet make their way to the dance floor when their catchy hooks and swinging sax take the stage.

Listen to “The Small Things” by Dirty Mittens:

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The Head and The Heart — 9 PM

This past June saw the debut eponymous release by The Head and The Heart, whose Seattle-based band members include Josiah Johnson (vocals, guitar, percussion), Jon Russell (vocals, guitar, percussion), Kenny Hensley (piano), Tyler Williams (drums), Charity Thielen (violin, vocals, percussion), and Chris Zasche (bass).

The band’s delivery of diverse instrumental composition, layered harmonies, American folk inclinations, and heartfelt lyrics are winning fans over across the Northwest.

Watch: “Sounds Like Hallelujah” by The Head and The Heart