Build A Problem

The debut album from British singer/songwriter Dodie, 2021s Build a Problem balances artful introspection with a wry, pop sensibility. Produced by Joe Rubel (Ed Sheeran, James Blunt), with one production by Pomplamoose in the hooky, kinetic single Boys Like You, the album finds Dodie further expanding the sound she first displayed on her previous EPs, including 2017s You and 2019s Human. With her delicate voice pushed high in the mix, theres an intimacy to Build a Problem that makes it feel as if Dodie is singing directly to the listener. Weaving together her often-vibrant, multi-tracked vocals with strummed ukulele or acoustic guitar, organic percussion, piano, and deft string or woodwind flourishes, Dodies music has a chamber pop quality that evokes the classical-influenced art rock of Kate Bush and Tori Amos. Also like those artists, Dodie brings a keen, feminist eye to her songs, detailing her feelings about living in a world of entitled men, just as she probes her own often self-destructive inclinations especially in regards to relationships. Its a style best represented in tracks like Hate Myself, I Kissed Someone (It Wasnt You), and Special Girl, the latter of which begins with what sounds like two sticks beating out a rhythm against a woody acoustic bassline as Dodie sings about how people often equate being in love with being in pain. She sings, Sweet, sweet irony/Could not care less if you love me/But hate me first, yeah make me work; thats perfect/Baby Im a funny thing/I’m walking if it doesnt sting/Heartbreak only means that it was worth it. The minimalism of Dodies songs gracefully juxtaposes their sophistication, helping to illuminate the many revelatory pop moments that can be heard throughout Build a Problem. ~ Matt Collar

2007年から自身のオリジナル曲やカヴァー曲をYouTubeにアップしたことからキャリアをスタートさせたDorothyMiranda Clarkこと、Dodieのデビュー作『Build A Problem』は上質なインディー・フォークアルバムだ。アコースティックギターやヴァイオリンのアレンジなどのシンプルなスタイルだからこそ繊細さと洗練された音楽がダイレクトに伝わり、側に寄り添っているような暖かみを感じる。現在もSSWの活動だけでなくユーモア溢れる動画を投稿しており、飾らない姿とユニークな発想で私たちを楽しませてくれているのが人気の秘訣だろう。SNSが普及した現代ならではの注目株のアーティストだ。
intoxicate (C)石田真生