French/Finnish duo The Dø (taken from the initials of the first names of its members, Dan Levy and Olivia Merilahti, and pronounced like "dough") have at last released their 2008 album, the stellar and eclectic A Mouthful, here in the U.S. Merilahti revealed a little about what makes this band tick in a recent interview with threedworld.com.au: “We try to make music that reflects our vision of what art is. We try to capture the way we think, which is not something conscious at all, it just comes out. We are not a hundred percent modern or completely old school. We try to bring in something primary and something high-tech at the same time. The primary state of things is something that has always interested Dan and me, the very first. If you can capture that in music, it’s like discovering an innocence in a way.” With the European release of A Mouthful in 2008, the two tried to capture the innovation that can come from creating something “a little bit old, a little bit new in its sound.”
New to the music scene and the stage, the two have had a two-year roller-coaster ride. From the same interview: “Last year we spent the whole year just touring all the time, mostly in France and Europe, including Scandinavia and countries nearby,” Merilahti said. “It has been really great to have that chance to play gigs because when we began as a band we found it pretty hard to start playing gigs when we had no recording yet. . . . We know that it can be difficult to play when you have no audience.” The days of not having an audience are far behind the duo these days.
So why has it taken them two years to bring it to the U.S.A.? Their cautious desire to stay in control of the project and to keep the pace to what they feel capable of handling, even when that means holding back. The Dø are responsible for every aspect of the album’s creation, from the writing and playing of the music, to the recording, mixing, arrangement, and even the packaging. It works out pretty well if you're stateside and you find yourself liking the music and wishing for more: their sophomore album is currently being recorded and is expected to be released later this year.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. This premier is a delightful combination of playfulness, Finnish and English lyricism, harmonies, and some eye-popping high notes. The first track, “Playgroud Hustle”, showcases nearly all of these. A martial drumbeat and flute (fife?) keep time in the background as you’re transported to Neverland, where kids know how to never grow up and adults had better watch out. Cherubic girls sing “We are not afraid of you grown-ups” and, for a second, you smile and forget your responsibilities. Olivia Merliahti’s voice compliments the children's, showcasing her effortless versatility. If that song doesn't quite convince you, the charming and stunning “On My Shoulders” is sure to seal the deal. “Stay (Just a Little Bit More)” is Olivia’s tour de force. Her flirtatious, lilting lyrics are perfection. You’ll whistle along boys, you know you will.
The album is diverse and different, moving from cozy morning coffee to fantasy film soundtrack, but it works. It’s ambitious, it’s fun, it's A Mouthful.
Track List:
1. Playground Hustle
2. At Last!
3. On My Shoulders
4. Song for Lovers
5. The Bridge Is Broken
6. Stay (Just a Little Bit More)
7. Unissasi Laulelet
8. Tammie
9. Queen Dot Kong
10. Coda
11. Searching Gold
12. When Was I Last Home?
13. Travel Light
14. Aha
15. In My Box
