Briefs: The Dodos, So Many Wizards, Howlin Rain, Robotanists, Red Cortez, The Bay Bridged

[Photo cred: Explosion 5000]

+ Never ones to rest - ever, The Dodos will follow up 2008's Visiter with Time To Die (out via French Kiss) on September 15. Singer/guitarist Meric Long recently told Pitchfork:

We have a whole new element in all the new songs right now-- an electric vibraphone. That's what's really standing out. It was something I wanted to incorporate a while ago when I heard about this company that made pick ups for vibraphones so you can actually plug it in and really fuck up the sound while retaining that organic element. It's taken a little while to figure out-- it's a very big instrument and, sonically, it takes up a lot of space.

[Via Stranger Dance]

+ I recently received an email from Nima Kazerouni of So Many Wizards with a video attached. He wrote:

A couple weeks ago, I played a street set for the Summer and Music series aimed at bringing artists and their music to downtown long beach. There's a short piece that is now put together and i think you will find entertaining.

+ Birdman/American recording artistsHowlin Rain will make a return to the Bay Area with a show at Oakland's Uptown this Saturday. I've had the pleasure of seeing Howlin Rain four times actually and the band brings something unique every time. Frontman Ethan Miller (who also fronts Comets on Fire) is one of the best guitarists I have ever seen! [Via The Bay Bridged]

Howlin Rain - "Dancers at the End of Time" (mp3)
Howlin Rain - "Roll on the Rusted Days" (mp3)

+ Beatcrave has an interview with Robotanists for their "Know Your LA Bands" feature.

+ Red Cortez will be joining The Airborne Toxic Event and The Henry Clay People for what is sure to be a tour of LA superpowers. [Via BuzzBands.LA]

+ If you plan to be in the Bay Area on the 4th of July then you do not want to miss The Fourth Annual El Rio Big Time Freedom Fest presented by The Bay Bridged, Tartufi, Thread Productions, and the SF Bay Guardian. Bands are playing all day and the stellar lineup includes such N&UR faves as Tartufi, Birds and Batteries, and Two Sheds. Full lineup and details at The Bay Bridged.