Hotly tipped Californians The Dodos have signed to Wichita for the release their second album.

The band were one of the highlights of this year’s SXSW after a mammoth run of shows.

They will release ‘Visiter’ in July,the follow up 2006’s ‘Beware Of The Maniacs’, while the single ‘Red And Purple’ will precede it.

Speaking about the signing Head of Wichita Mark Bowen told Music Week: “Across an amazing seven shows in four days the band literally blew our minds - we saw beautiful acoustic shows where the vocals and words shone out and then gigs which had everyone talking about Led Zeppelin and rock!!”

The band are crossing the pond for a series of shows in Europe next month.

The dates are:

• Bristol, Louisiana – May 29
• Nottingham, Red Room – 30
• Paris, Point Ephemere – 31
• Birmingham, Bar Academy – June 1
• London, Hoxton Bar & Grill – 2
• London, Amersham Arms – 3
• Nijmegen, Doorroosje – 4
• Antwerp, Trix – 5
• Diksmuide, 4AD – 6
• Amsterdam, Paradiso – 7
• Berlin, Magnet – 8
• Cologne, Luxor – 9
• Manchester, Night & Day – 11
• Glasgow, Beat Club – 12
• Dublin, Crawdaddt - 13

(by Daniel Melia)