The Doves

Nothing more endearing than a little humility from a current headlining band in these days of ego-centric driven and media fuelled endorsement of what could be considered 'average' and some even 'less than average' Indie Rock. "Hello Portsmouth, How Ya Doin? We would just like to thank everyone who has bought our album."(The Last Broadcast - Heavenly Records) yes, respect to these guys who, unlike others have managed to retain the perspective and grounding to realise some of the how and why they are where they are right now.

Musically quite entrancing and I give 10/10 for effort and the energy levels of this performance. This 'simple' format of guitar, bass drums atmospherically enhanced with the use of synth's and sequencers evoking melancholy and psychedelic simultaneously. The dreamily triumphant 'There Goes The Fear' with its wonderfully bizarre video as a backdrop acknowledges Jimi's vocal strengths though it is worth pointing out that this man is certainly no legendary vocalist. Not one of those ranges that makes your stomach flip lets say.

Drawing influence from a wide range of sources on this latest album, this performance certainly reflected the varied and all embracing assortment of musical styles. One point saw Jimi's woeful strumming silhouetted against black and white World War Two fighter jet footage, Floyd/The Wall? Drummer Andy Williams harmonica was a treat at the climax of the set when he and Jimi changed places to perform the now classic 'Here It Comes' along side some of the best Wigan Casino footage ever seen.

The Doves are a paradox, bleak yet uplifting, repetitive yet futuristic but what stands out is the human-ness of these Northern Souls which if possible it may be good for them to keep hold of. They are on a roll, charming all and sundry though we all need to remember where we come from.....

MW

Portsmouth Pyramids Centre 07.05.02