Dodos Mark Return to SXSW, Introduce Newest Member

C. Taylor Crothers, FilmMagic

Their avian namesakes may be extinct, but indie-rock heroes the Dodos are thriving -- even multiplying. Wednesday afternoon at Austin's Red Eyed Fly, as they played their first SXSW show since 2008, the San Francisco duo introduced their third member, a touring guitarist simply referred to as Chris.

"Give him a big f------ round of applause," lead singer and guitarist Meric Long said, midway through a set that would mark the end of the 'Brooklyn vs. The Bay' showcase, an epic battle between outer-borough New York and Northern California.

While the two sides fought to a draw, deciding to knock back Lone Stars and forget they were ever at war in the first place, the Dodos did a fine job representing their coast. Long and drummer Logan Kroeber focused on songs from their just-released third album, 'No Color,' making do without Neko Case, who sings backing vocals on the record.

While Case's presence makes just about anything better, the Dodos don't really need help. On such new songs as 'Don't Stop' and 'Don't Try to Hide It,' the band played its usual mix of African-inspired polyrhythmic beats and fiddly guitar, Long using all five digits to pick at his strings, new guy "Chris" adding texture as needed.

Long has said 'No Color' is his nod to '90s alt-rock -- particularly the ace riffage of Billy Corgan -- but that's slightly misleading. On 'When Will You Go?' another new song, Long and Kroeber went back further, imagining the Smiths on safari. Simultaneously crooning, jangling and thumping, they showed more than enough creativity to stave off extinction.

Watch the Video to the Dodos' 'Fools'