Doves - Constellations For The Lonely (Album Review)
Monday, 03 March 2025
Written by Chris Connor
Doves have been at the vanguard of British indie since the release of 2000’s ‘Lost Souls’ but more than two decades later they are still a band driven by a desire to push forward and innovate. Emerging from the ashes of dance act Sub Sub, their moody, atmospheric brand of alternative-rock has captured legions of fans and ‘Constellations For The Lonely’, their first LP in five years and only their second since 2009, is a fine reward for their patience.
Opener Renegade captures everything that makes Doves such a superb band and, with Jimi Goodwin in fine voice, it instantly calms any fears sparked by the difficult road to this record, with the bassist-vocalist stepping away from touring due to his mental health. Hinting at the broad palette employed throughout, it contains a nod to Vangelis and his memorable Blade Runner score with its distinctive synth opening.
Cold Dreaming, which features brothers Andy and Jez Williams on vocals, is more upbeat, serving as a tribute to the formative psychedelic soul records loved by the band. It’s a departure and a triumph, showing a range of influences for the band and variety to their sound.
Built around Goodwin’s bleak vocals, In The Butterfly House is Doves’ suitably haunting take on a murder ballad, whileStrange Weather begins with almost classical rhythms before its guitars kick in and a delicate melody moves into view. It builds to something soaring, segueing into a chaotic, discordant middle section that nevertheless clings to the rails.
There is so much to unpack across ‘Constellations For The Lonely’ and this is a triumphant return for Doves, who remain a band keen to keep pushing boundaries while making meaningful music. That is particularly potent following a period of turbulence that would have led them to question whether they would get the opportunity to make another record. Thankfully, they did. And it’s one of their best.
Doves Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Tue March 04 2025 - LIVERPOOL O2 Academy Liverpool
Thu March 06 2025 - MANCHESTER Hall, Aviva Studios
Fri March 07 2025 - MANCHESTER Hall, Aviva Studios
Sat March 08 2025 - BIRMINGHAM O2 Institute
Mon March 10 2025 - NOTTINGHAM Rock City
Tue March 11 2025 - NORWICH Adrian Flux Waterfront
Thu March 13 2025 - LONDON O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
Fri March 14 2025 - BRISTOL SWX
Sat March 15 2025 - SOUTHAMPTON EngineRooms Southampton
Mon March 17 2025 - BRIGHTON Chalk
Tue March 18 2025 - OXFORD O2 Academy Oxford
Sat August 23 2025 - HALIFAX Piece Hall
Sun August 31 2025 - BIRMINGHAM Moseley Park
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
