Wednesday 06/07/05 Doves @ Somerset House, London

Somerset House is a breathtaking venue – and the Doves are a band worthy of such a lush setting. The Mancs have quietly rolled out three top notch albums – each arguably a step up from its predessor – and the constant drizzle of rain over central London only adds to the stunning mix of melancholy and melody the Mancunians are quickly becoming experts at.

 

Jimi Goodwin may have steadily put on the pounds and thrown all regard for his appearances out the window since the early  days, yet his voice remains a yearning, emotive tool. ‘Black and White Town’ outstrips the northern soul inspired, thundering joy it is on record -  followed by a hearty plug for the rest of the summer gigs at Somerset House - (you can nearly feel the crisp wad of fifties in our man's wallet) 

 

Each track sounds like it belongs on a greatest hits selection - none more so than 'Caught by the River' - Jimi has 5,000 lucky punters bellowing  "And you give it all away, you give it all away/let it come down" and you realise that it's one of those nights where you never want the come down to kick in. Later, 'Snowden', one of the peaks of 'Some Cities', is a set highlight here too - it builds up, down, up down before bursting into an explosive chorus. Yet somehow nothing quite tops the glorious encore of 'There Goes the Fear' - quite simply a mini-modern classic - now instantly recognisable, and the calling card of a band who are quietly sneaking into indie's big league - somewhere they should have been elevated to a long time ago. Tonight was melody for the people.