“Charming” tends to be a dismissive term in musical criticism—a backhanded compliment, condescending in its connotation. Chances are the loaded adjective is followed by an inevitable “but” or “however” and an unleashing of a barrage of criticisms.

I point this out to avoid any confusion over my affection for the Dodos’ “Walking,” a beautifully simple folk tune that recalls some sort of wondrous combination of Animal Collective’s organic percussion and The Velvet Underground‘s (1969) stripped down sensibilities. Relying solely on a carefully picked acoustic and understated drumming, the opening track off Visiter drips with a delicate sensitivity.

This hardly overwhelms the listener with exciting sounds or interesting instrument choices; it’s best experienced in a quiet room amongst good friends and bad pot, but the simplicity here is what lends the track its resonance, as Meric Long is allowed vital space to let his voice breathe. Long seems to be at his most affecting when his words are at the forefront of the duo’s arrangements, sincerity visibly bleeding through the speakers. It helps that the somewhat erratic Long turns in one of his better lyrical performances, formulating an engaging blend of metaphor and imagery with the songs first line (“You can light the fire that’s in your head”) and moving on gracefully from there.

There is no other shoe to be dropped. “Walking” is arresting and almost frail in its construction, as if one were to speak or cough while listening the Dodos’ whispering drums and gentle guitar lines may very well crumble and drift away like ashes in a light breeze. This is about as charming as music gets, no condescension intended.

permanent link ::