ARTICLE BY CHERYL CHENG
MAY 16 | LOS ANGELES—After an extensive tour in 2005, the Doves took a break. A long one at that, performing only three shows between 2006 and 2008. “It’s been a while since we’ve been here,” singer Jimi Goodwin noted to the good-sized crowd tonight at the Wiltern. In town to promote their latest album, Kingdom of Rust, Doves satiated their eager fans by performing a career-spanning set filled with both new and classic songs. Since forming in 1998, Doves notably continue to improve upon their live performance. It’s not excessive showmanship, but rather talented musicians offering well-crafted, multilayered compositions ... with a hint of perfectionism. After all, the nearly four-year delay, according to the band, was the result of “high standards of internal excellence.”
Nevertheless, there were several fans here who were obviously besides themselves for the Manchester band’s return. And it was upon listening to tonight’s performance, which spanned Doves’ entire catalog, that one realizes their solid talent. The band opened with Kingdom of Rust track “Jetstream,” which seemed to mirror the overall performance, as the night continued to build progressively, just like the song.
Behind the band on stage was a large movie screen, which shot images of the songs’ respective music videos. For example, for “Black and White Town,” pictures of brooding British adolescents were shown directly behind the band, giving the performance an added theatrical atmosphere. Doves hit all the right notes, rocking to “Town” and “Snowden,” then later creating a mellower atmosphere.
For the encore, Doves performed “Here It Comes,” from debut Lost Souls, and The Last Broadcast’s “There Goes the Fear,” touching upon the band’s first two albums. For both songs, drummer Andy Williams came up front to sing and play the harmonica, demonstrating the band’s close-knit dynamics, self-described as “democratic.” When the hour-plus set ended, fans were surely satisfied. Doves managed to give a tight, enjoyable performance, while also proving their relevance, this many years later. They were certainly missed.
Click here for more photos of Doves and opener Wild Light.
Bad ass!!! Soooo jealous....
Posted by: Oscar | May 20, 2009 at 01:00 AM