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DovesSome Cities Heavenly/EMI In a previous life, Manchester-based trio Sub Sub was causing a stir with beat-driven, sample-based dance music. Now, Manchester-based trio Doves are bringing us some of the most compelling beat-driven, sample-based indie music; and while the format of the band under its two monikers is quite different, the fearless use of sounds and styles is a solid link between two different foundations. 'Some Cities', Doves' third album, is an absolute corker: an album which defies the concept of era and genre, moving down through the decades to bring the band firmly into modern classic territory. The most striking thing about this record is its amazing variety. For example, first single Black And White Town situates the band right in the early '60s, sporting a honky-tonk piano and a Motown-style rhythm not dissimilar to Martha And The Vandellas' classic Heatwave. Then Almost Forgot Myself brings the band back (roughly) to the naval-gazing indie territory found extensively in their first two albums, but with a much more flowing, organic feel. Snowden sounds like it could have come off the last Flaming Lips record with its huge, awe-inspiring orchestral synths and The Storm takes full advantage of another breathtaking orchestral moment, following a jazz progression that could have come from the early decades of last century. The harp-style arpeggios throughout One Of These Days bring us almost into classical music, following with some wildly intelligent rock'n'roll. Someday Soon is features a Gregorian-esque chant, the kind of distinctly harrowing yet quite uplifting experience also found in Brian Wilson's 'Smile'. Then the choppy theatrical style of Shadows Of Salford flamboyantly breaks the mood, before leading us a more familiar, darker finale. This is a brilliant record - what a great way to start the year.  |
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