Song of the Day: The Dodos - Confidence

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Afternoon Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Mind Your Manners” by The Dodos from the 2013 album Carrier on Polyvinyl.

The Dodos - Confidence (MP3)

Formed in 2005 by guitarist/vocalist Meric Long and multi-instrumentalist Logan Kroeber, San Francisco's the Dodos have made a career out of frequently-shifting takes on their own musical trademarks. Although primarily incorporating elements of folk and indie rock, the band has incorporated progressive, African, metal, and psychedelic influences at times, often resulting in albums that sound nothing like their predecessor. Their latest, this year's Carrier, was informed by the death of Women guitarist and former Dodos touring member Christopher Reimer, both musically and lyrically. Despite an aura of solemnity hanging over the album, "Confidence" feels more resolute than mournful. Opening with an acoustic section, Long's guitar work slowly gains momentum until he eventually decides to turn up his amp and extend the song out into a five-minute jam. Akin to pouring one out after giving a eulogy, "Confidence" isn't dragged down by its subject matter and more than succeeds in paying tribute to the Dodos' fallen guitarist.

The Dodos will be in Seattle next week at Neumos with the Love Language on September 8th, and they will also be LIVE on KEXP during our broadcast from Doug Fir during Musicfest NW on Saturday, September 9th, at 12:30PM. Check out our Musicfest NW broadcast lineup here and keep up with the band on their here. For now, watch the band play "When Will You Go" live at KEXP in 2011 below: