In this edition of The Stereotype, you’re really getting two for one. These events were so close together, and at the same venue, I thought I’d combine them for a folk, rock, electric, acoustic, explosion. Really, there are no explosions. However, The Dodos and Typhoon, are the two bands featured here, and they are both swiftly on the uprise. If you haven’t heard of them, in no time, you will.
Don’t be a Dodo (Header Photo)
After years of hand claps and foot stomps, The Dodos, a California based duo and I were finally in the same place at the same time. When they blew-up with “Visiter” in 2008, the Dodos were a tightly wound, charming jumble of uncooked, joyful musical children. The now, trio has matured to a lovely crispy texture and have plugged into something electric. With the release of their latest record, “No Color” on March 15th, The Dodos have taken us up a notch, while still remaining true to their abnormally active folk roots. I was looking forward to their latest tour after hearing this new release. The live translations, were still as energetic as I remember, but something was lost along the way. Swapping tremulous, rhythmic, acoustic guitars with electrics, full of effects, was quite a displeasing adjustment. Drummer, Logan Kroeber however, will bang on anything that will make sounds. Literally, replacing his kick drum with a tambourine taped foot, and high energy percussion danced in our eardrums, including a guest vibraphone player, which really made my night. Although there were feelings of slight downheartedness in the beginning, I left this show at Doug Fir here in Portland, feeling totally satisfied with what I’d just experienced. We humans tend to get easily defeated by change, yet a good surprise is always a winner.
A Typhoon of Typhoon (Photo Above)
Upon moving to A new city, I try my hardest to jump right into the local music scenes to see what they have to offer. Portland is not lacking with quality local bands thats for sure. Typhoon, was a local name that I couldn’t escape. I finally gave into suggestions of friends and strangers and sought the Portland based 15 piece out. Yes, thats right, I said 15 piece. At least this is all I could count on the jam packed stage at Doug Fir Lounge, where I caught Typhoon’s EP release party on April 8th. A New Kind of House, Their new release, elaborates on ideas the band has seemed to tinker with on last year’s LP, Hunger and Thirst, which I first heard in reverse order of release. A New Kind Of House is difficult to hold a candle to, it seems more perceptive, with a more brawny, sinister sound. The translation of this record into a live performance was much like going to church. With over a dozen members singing along, some with microphones, some without, accompanied by dynamic arrangements from a slew of varying instruments. It’s not quite been a year since Typhoon’s impressive debut, Hunger and Thirst was released, and in that short year, the band has seemed to almost double in size. My first question, as a musician is, how do you get 15+ members to come to rehearsals? Most bands have a hard time with 5 players. I guess the music speaks for itself on that one. When you have a good thing going, people just flock to you, and are genuinely interested in getting involved. Typhoon, has been getting a slow and steady rise of exposure, but this seems to be just the tip of the iceberg. There is about to be a Typhoon, pun intended.
By: Gin Hebert – gingerh@skopemagazine.com
