Dot Operator are a Minneapolis, USA-based indie pop band who have just caught my attention thanks to their debut, self-titled EP. Influenced by the golden age of indie music in the early ’00s, as well as Britpop, Richard Swift and Randy Newman, Dot Operator proved an intriguing prospect that I just had to give a listen.

By Graeme Smith

Dot Operator share a lot of the members of another York Calling favourite, Hyooman – McCoy Seitz on vocals, guitar and song writing, Leng Moua on guitar, Victor Pokorny on guitar and keyboards, and Dillon Marchus on bass and guitar. The line up is completed by Sophia Catanaso on vocals and Mark Stewart on drums. Their debut EP was conceived on a four-track cassette recorder before being engineered, recorded and mixed by McCoy at Casino Time Recording. McCoy also did the production and it was Alec Ness responsible for the mastering.

Though only three tracks long, this EP has a lot to say, and gives a wonderful introduction to Dot Operator’s world. It starts with Eva, a track that one of the band’s friends described as making them “feel bad, but it a really good way.” I think I know what they mean. There’s a definite touch of melancholy about it, particularly in its slow, lonesome opening, but it also feels like sonic food for the soul. It’s a strong start.

Washing Away has a livelier feel about it, with an undercurrent of country mixing with the jangly indie rock en vogue twenty years ago. There are some wonderful vocal harmonies between McCoy and Sophia and it builds to an emotional climax. Careful Now then rounds things off with a taste of nostalgia. There’s a throwback feel to its soul pop arrangement and its lyrics are captivatingly confessional.

Dot Operator are an exciting band. They’ve channelled some really cool and interesting influences to create something fresh. The three tracks of their EP show a good range without sacrificing any cohesion. I feel like there’s a lot more to come from Dot Operator.

You can listen to the Dot Operator EP below.