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This indie rock duo could have easily fallen into the cracks of obscure band despair, like so many of their unknown, though hardworking peers, but for the San Francisco-based Dodos, extinction was not their fate. With their second full length album, Visiter, they've already been hailed as some of the "best new music" of 2008. Drawing on '60s folk, exotic African drumming techniques and post-punk staples in equal measure, The Dodos have found a home that bridges the modern and the nostalgic, which, in our time of sloppy, jury-rigged, image-based bands, seems to be an endangered species.

We caught up with the duo and railed them with our ice-breaking survey we ask of all new rising bands, which they answered with a minimalist, wry, matter-of-fact ease—just like their tunes.

What have you been listening to lately?

Jenks "Tex" Carman, Beach House, Hellbenders, Cocteau Twins,, King Khan & BBQ

Where's your favorite place to chill?

My sister's pad in L.A., but if you need a franchise then The Ritespot in San Francisco.

What's the most dramatic thing you ever did to save money as a starving musician?

Water diet. I gave myself hyponatremia, or water intoxication. You can die from it apparently.

Tell us one of your favorite song lyrics?

"How strange it is to be anything at all"

What is your most cherished musical instrument or accessory?

My '60s national guitar. It looks like it's falling apart, but it sounds like nothing else. I seriously don't know what I'd do if it broke, got lost, whatever.

If you could change one thing about the music industry today what would it be?

Health care for musicians.

What never goes out of style?

Underwear.

What's the theme song to your life?

"Give it to Me" by The Troggs.

What movies, artists, authors or athletes inspire you the most?

Raymond Carver, Woody Allen, Anton Chekhov, A Woman Under the Influence, American Movie, The Goonies, Yao Ming.

What's your favorite way to stay in shape?

Swim, or walk around. Logan likes to skateboard.

What non-musician would you most like to meet?

Howard Stern.

What's your biggest guilty pleasure?

"Rock of Love" with Bret Michaels.

Are you on MySpace?

What's MySpace?

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
04.09.08