Doves

With their first album in four years released in April, Manchester, England's Doves have made a triumphant return with "Kingdom Of Rust." I was hooked on this album as soon as I heard it for the first time, streaming on their My Space shortly after release. It's one of those albums you know immediately you need to run out and purchase. How lucky then, as this is the first Doves release I'd properly heard from start to finish, that the band had embarked on a U.S. tour and just happened to be making a Detroit stop on a Saturday night in May. So many great bands skip this area these days. Checking out more of their music, including the equally brilliant "The Last Broadcast", an album I'd read rave reviews of when released but never checked out, I knew this was a show I'd be kicking myself if I missed. Getting on line recommendations about what a great live act they were sealed the deal, so my brother and I purchased tickets for our first Doves show. Judging from the already healthy line when we got there, it was obvious this was going to be a packed house. After all these years living in metro Detroit, this was my first time at the Majestic Theater. I've seen plenty of great shows at the adjacent Magic Stick but hadn't made it to a show at the Majestic. A great venue to see a show, the sight lines were great as was the sound. The entire Majestic Theater Complex is an absolute Detroit gem. The opening act, Wild Light, seemed to go over well with the packed house. Playing tracks from their debut album "Adult Nights", the multi-instrumentalists from New Hampshire definitely won over some new fans in Michigan. Doves was up next and from the minute the lights went down and "Jetstream", also the opener on "Kingdom Of Rust" started, the crowd was entranced. I knew Doves had a solid stateside following but these were some rabid, hardcore fans singing along to every song, everyone massively enjoying the show. The set featured the first six tracks off the new album spread in between classics from their other three studio albums. Loud roars were heard for such "Last Broadcast" tracks as "Words", "Pounding" and the scintillating performance of "There Goes The Fear" that closed the near 90 minute show. Although I like everything on the new album it would have been disappointing if any of the six tracks they did play were left out so they picked the right new ones for sure. Also impressive was how well the crowd knew the new material and the reaction it got. The title track, "Winter Hill", "The Greatest Denier" and the others all drew big responses. A true sign of a crowd of die hard, appreciative fans. It was quite the joyous scene at the Majestic. The show was all the proof I needed that Doves reputation as a great live band is well deserved. I'm still getting to know their earlier material yet was entranced from beginning to end of this show. Just one great song after another kept coming and when you see a band with the musicianship ability of Doves, it's hard as a music fan not to write a gushing review. Jimi Goodwin was in fine voice and the man is a monster on the bass. Jez Williams on guitar and vocals and his brother Andy on drums round out the impressive trio. When touring, Martin Roman Rebelski joins the band on keyboards and the four are as tight a live rock act as you'll see. All it took was one show to place Doves in that category of those bands I'll see any and every time they come to town. Do NOT miss this tour.

I have been a Doves fan for quite a while, and after i found out they were coming to San Diego I was super stoked. I'd never been to the House of Blues and I was really pleased with the cool atmosphere. I had drinks, i enjoyed myself, and I went home without my ears being blasted off. Fun crowd, fun times!!

We sat front row balcony and the energy in the room was moving. Couldn't believe how "tight" everything sounded considering jet lag. FAN-F'n-TASTIC! The superb syncronystic sounds created from jimi and the williams brother's were just amazing...absolutely brilliant. Can't wait to see Doves again and again and again DMM

Awesome show! The sound and performance was amazing! I cannot wait to see these guys perform again. This HOB is a nice intimate setting. It was a treat to see this band since I've been listening to them since 2001. If this band comes to a city near you, check them out.

This was my first time seeing this band live. I thought they sounded great and had awesome energy!

These guys always rock! I could listen to them all night.

Doves are one of my favorite bands and I've seen them when they come to town, especially after missing the show from the tour for their first album and after seeing an amazing show from the tour of their second album. They were going to play the Wiltern in L.A. on a Saturday but I thought I might be busy that weekend so I opted for the Friday show in Anaheim, which would have been easier to schedule. The House of Blues is about a quarter the size of the Wiltern, the parking is plentiful and free, and there's stuff to do in the area before the show (being Downtown Disney). The downside would be that I wouldn't get anyone to make the drive to go to the show with me but it could happen that they wouldn't go to the L.A. show either. Downtown Disney doesn't have much for me personally so I got to take in the opening acts. Some awful thing called Pop Noir were the first openers, doing a cover of New Order's "Temptation", the thought of which would have been bad enough but the execution was even worse. Next was Wild Light, another American band trying to sound British, this time ripping off Razorlight, making little sense, though if they got even a dozen fans in the U.S., it would be more than Razorlight have. Finally Doves came on and they turned in a solid show, not quite transcendent but more than should be expected from a stoic British band, buoyed only by excellent songs. Their SOME CITIES album had left me a bit cold but after seeing them play those songs and being more worn and comfortable with them brought me around to them a lot more (even though I'd seen them play those songs on that tour). The newest KINGDOM OF RUST stuff was a cut above, though still not to the level of their first two albums, but they shouldn't be marked off for that. Still a fine show, though a shame that they didn't get more recognition or get around to more of the American summer festivals (or even an appearance at Coachella that they could make).

A real worthwhile concert. I drove down from San Jose to see them in Anaheim and they really made it worth the drive. Great musicians, songwriters, and put on a great show. Plus they seem like down-to-earth guys. Excellent!!! Thank you Doves!

What can I say about this band? Everytime I see them (this would be the 6th) they seem to deliver a better show than the last. With the new record Kingdom of Rust, I was eager to see how the new songs would play out live. From the opener Jetstream, the energy onstage eminated out to the crowd and returned to the stage ten fold. The rich soundscape that they create is astounding and at the same time simple. The crew bounced effortlessly from new track to classic catalogue numbers including Snowden, Pounding and Black and White Town. These guys are also very engaging on stage, pausing between numbers to acknowledge the crowd. On this night, Jimi, Jez and Andy were particularly playful with the spirited Chicago crowd. Favorites for the night were Kingdom of Rust, Caught By The River, 10:03, Here It Comes and of course the closer There Goes The Fear. If you are ever looking for a guaranteed great night of live music, you can do no better than Doves!

A polished yet unpretentious performance by the Doves in a setting that worked well with their style and material . Often accused of being a little melancholic in their subject matter, they nonetheless belted out their best numbers with an enthusiasm and intensity characteristic of a Mancunian band. I would say lets not confuse sincerity and genuine emotion with meloncholy. Well done gentlemen...

I was really happy with the Doves at the Majestic Theatre. They played the music while their very imaginative, original, and evocative videos were projected on a large screen behind them. They had a big sound and an anthemic approach in many of their songs. I hate to pigeon hole them by comparing them the U2 but I will though though only in the most positive way. I imagine if they got the right exposure they could be as popular here as they are in England. For now though, anyone lucky enough to see them in a relatively small venue like the Majestic should count themselves as blessed. I am looking forward to their return to the Detroit area.

The atmosphere, the close intimate concert made the experience even better. The Doves are great! Love them and would see them again!

This is only my 2nd time seeing Doves and they may have topped the 1st time. Last time was touring Some Cities and that album rocks. Kingdom of Rust is equally excellent! Great song selection from the new album, though the length of the show does not allow for too many oldies. Absolutely LOVE Winter Hill and it was played wonderfully. Greatest Denier was also aces. Would've loved to have heard Lifeline (I think that would make a great live track) and they need to jam Pounding longer, especially during that brilliant guitar rave-up, but overall I was highly impressed. Even the wifey loved it!

The venue was good, the stage set up was magnetic, and the boys sounded amazing. I only wish I had listened to my own head and gotten there at 8:00, instead of listening to everyone else who said they wouldn't go on until 11:00. We got there at 10 and they had already started, and my seat ended up being on the floor of the balcony back by the doors! Needless to say, after my eyes had secretly welled up with tears, I was kicking myself.....next time I call the shots!

Support band left a lot to be desired. Despite being a signed Band. Doves came on opened up with Jetstream and I was blown away. Awesome stuff. They played brilliantly and the sound was great. Probably one of the best concerts I've been to in a long time.

wonderful show, the boys really know how to put one on. the playing was very tight, the setlist was an excellent mix of new and old; even the video backgrounds were intriguing and added to the performance. but the real gift was the energy reverberating from the crowd onto the band and back, so positive and eager, and you could tell Jimi and the Twins recognized and appreciated it. whether this is true for every show i don't know, but it's certainly plausible given their music and the kind of people they attract, and how keen they are to put on a good show. all in all a great gig and a great night. very highly recommended.

Great Show. Enough said..............................

We couldn't make the NYC show so we drove to Philly. We were surpised the venue was so small, we had great balcony seats. The show was awesome, they did a lot from the Last Broadcast and Some Cities. The lighting and vidoes used in the backdrop were excellent. Jimi Goodwin hs some amusing comments for the crowd and the whole band was into it. My surprise was how dull the crowd itself was, this music is very uplifting and I'm sure they got a better response in NY.

Great show; good sound; good set list; great band to see

I've seen the Doves a few times and was really looking forward to this show. Overall, they performed "good enough" -- at times they rushed through songs and went through the motions. This was the last date on the US tour. Venue was solid -- easy in and out.

Have always loved Doves for their sound. Nothing could be better then a great night with great company at an amazing venue watching one of the most talented bands ever.

The band was phenomenal, the sound was horrendous....if they weren't such a great band live I probable would have left.

The show began with the opening act Wild Light performing, which I found to be treat. You will surely hear more from them in the near future. The doves show opened with a bang playing some songs off their new album, but it wasn't until song 4 or so that I got emotionally vested when they began playing the intro to Pounding. At that point the music began to erupt from their instruments. The visual combination of the bands amazing instrumentation with the backgorund lights and video made for an awesome show. The only compliant I have is with the fans. The people at the show were so obnoxious and when bumped slightly (mind you this is general admission) they got all uptight and acted like I spilled beer on their head. This is a concert people!!!! The band was incredible, and remain one of the few live acts that sound spot on with the way they sound on their albums. I'm sorry that in a place like Terminal 5, they didn't get a more revved up crowd.

The Doves are one of my favorite bands...they played a number of old songs, as well as many tracks off of their new CD, Kingdom of Rust. If only more people knew about the Doves....every concert would be sold out....but then I wouldn't be able to go....check them out next time they play your town!

A well organised show. Great set and music set up.

Good show! Not mind-blowing but I've seen Radiohead before, so... yeah. ;)

Second time I've seen them and like the first time I was blown away. Great show!

I had never seen Doves live and I had forgotten how many great songs they have. Every tune was a winner, and the background projections set the mood perfectly for each one. Wild Light was a fun new band -- this was the first I'd heard of them.

This show exceeded expectations. Wasn't the biggest Doves fan on the way in, but they won me over with their great mix of old and new songs with some nice additions to the studio work. Recommended.

The show was awesome. It was the last concert in a string of shows I had seen around Philly, and this was the best. I've seen Doves play at least 5 times before - in Philly and in DC. They did an awesome job of playing a good amount of songs off of each album and their energy was fantastic.

Great band with some amazing songs. Pick up any record they've made or get out and see them live...

Doves are always an exceptional band playing live. They manage to add a lot of the texture and depth you'll find on their recordings which is no easy feat. Lots of great new visuals added to the experience, and the jet takeoff intro to the opener "Jetstream" was a great lead-in. My only complaint is with the venue, Terminal 5 blasts the sound so loud that it's to the point of static coming out of the monitors. That being said, there was a great energy, and the singer and guitarist's parents were there all the way from Manchester and got a song dedicated to them.

overall experience (sound, energy, lighting, venue staff) was pure magnificence. Doves have always been a band not to be missed... and I would travel abroad to see them perform more often :^)

I have seen the Doves play many times and they always rock. Why is it that they sounded like amateurs at terminal 5? Could it have something to do with all the sound quality complaints everyone speaks of regarding the venue? Absolutely. I will never attend a performance at Terminal 5 EVER AGAIN.

I had only seen Doves once in Austin at Waterloo Records during SXSW 2005. I was so excited to see them at Terminal 5. They did not disappoint! They played songs from all 4 of their albums. Amazing show!

The Doves are a great band - but live it doesn't really translate. Good for die hard Doves fans, but nothing special about the show. We left a little more than halfway through, and we weren't alone.

I was hoping for a good show and read that the Doves are great live but it had been a number of years since their last album. They opened with "Jetstream" which worried me a little because the lead singer's voice didn't seem all there. My angst was quickly removed going into the 2nd song as Jimi Goodwin's vocal chords were now warmed up and the rest of the show was a treat. They played a great combination of songs from their new album as well as a a lot of the old ones which attendees were waiting to hear. Overall, they have a great stag presence & showed that they are all skilled musicians who have not lost their touch after a number of years out of the game. They didn't shortchange their fans either & played a healthy set before finishing up then giving an encore. I will definitely see them next time they're in town & highly recommend them to anyone who likes the alternative genre (not too hard but not too soft).

This show was AWESOME! I love this band, they are super talented. I am glad I got the opportunity to see them perform live and in such an intimate venue. I would absolutely go see them again and I hope to SOON! Thanks to the band for traveling so far to perform for us fans!!!!

Very cool show, maybe not on a par with the last time they were in town. The new material sounded great. I thought Snowden from the last album was a litle off. I always get disappointed when they dont play Catch the Sun( my favorite Doves tunes), but all in all a very entertaining evening from one of the more interesting bands out there.

This was the 6th time I have seen Jimi and the two Williams brothers, and it is quite possibly my favorite of all. Their older material was performed with the usual amount of genius, but the real brilliance was the tracks from the new album Kingdom of Rust. These tracks were absolutely flawless. I am actually kicking myself for not driving 2 hours to Philly to see them the following night. Absolutely breathtaking!

If you find yourself "sitting on the fence", whilst contemplating whether or not you should check out Doves LIVE??? Do yourself a quick favor, leave your fence-post position & trot on down & grab yourself a ticket or two to one of their shows!! They're great on disc YES but, even that much better live!!! Bet they will BLOW YOUR MIND!

Front row /stage right ! All I can say is The Beatles ,The Who , The Jam , NOW THE DOVES !!!!!!!!

Their last North American gig of the tour this turned out to be quite a night. I'd seen them 10 days earlier at the Fillmore in San Francisco but this was a much better show. the crowd were very receptive and the lads played their hearts out. The new material from their latest release "Kingdom of Rust' mixes well with their back catalogue even though it's not as strong as previous albums. They put on a great show

I'm such a huge fan of this band that I saw them in New York the night before as well. Although I'm a Philadelphia resident and partial to my own city, Doves were much more lively and entertaining in NYC. Why? Not sure. Maybe they think Philly is lame (although they rocked Philly at the Troc. in '03 and the TLA in '05). Either way, they just didn't seem very into their performance and even left out a tune, WORDS (which happens to be one of my favorities) from the Philly show (yes, they played it in NYC). However, Doves music is still incredible, and since they haven't taken off in the U.S. like they have in Europe, the low ticket price is still worth a subpar show by their usual standards.

Attended the Doves concert at House of Blues. They are an awesome band that you can't help but start to groove. Highly recommend seeing them live if the opportunity presents itself!!!!

I have been a Doves fan since Lost Souls came out in 2001 and I own all 4 of their CDs. However, I had never seen them live (and almost didn't this time when my son got sick and my wife had to bail). It was better than expected. Doves use lots of dubbing, synths and keys in the studio, so how would they pull this off live? Lots of prerecorded stuff? Not at all. They brought along their studio keyboard/synth player and that filled in the sound. Still, I was surprised (in a good way) by how much of the sound was really just guitar, bass, drums. The new material sounded great. Fortunately, I'd had the new CD for a couple weeks and was not hearing anything for the first time. The older material was also strong, including a few surprises from Lost Souls and The Last Broadcast. All that prevents this from being a 5 were the omission of a few key songs, especially Catch the Sun from Lost Souls. I also expected to hear Some Cities. And my favorite from Kingdom of Rust, Spellbound, was also not played. I know they played Catch the Sun at some other shows, so it was in the song list for the tour. And they played slightly less than 90 minutes, so it wouldn't have stretched them too thin to play a couple more songs. Still, overall a great show and so glad to have finally caught them live. Definitely recommended if they come around again.

Amazing, hearing them live was even better then recordings.

outstanding band, unforgettable music and very good sound at the House of Blues

With a heavy emphasis on new material, yet enough of the classics to keep the loyalist fans happy - we were impressed. Not a bad seat in the house. What a treat to see a band like this in a small venue. The UK fans are probably not so lucky! Nice stage show, but nothing over the top. Just enough to compliment the music.

Good venue. Great band. Nothing else to say. The end.

They sounded great, Jez was stunningly good live (though not in a show-off way), and they ran through the songs and had some cool videos showing in the background at times. They briefly switched roles at the end and broke off into some extended jams at times during the show, which was kind of cool. They did a very good job of recreating the music without sounding too stiff. Overall, I'd definitely recommend it. It was very gratifying to see one of my faves in concert, and they handled the music easily and had a little fun with it too. On the downside, it was just sort of a straightforward concert, without a whole lot of engagement from either the crowd or the band. They actually didn't play a couple of their big songs like "Catch the Sun", which was a bit surprising. Also, the demographic at the show was my girlfriend, me, and about 300 other white guys. I guess that's just how it is with some music. Lastly, the opening band (Wildlife of New Hampshire) was probably the worst opening band I have seen. Ever. I've seen more than my fair share of bands, and for a show in an actual concert venue, I think they were the worst. I have nothing nice to say about them. The Doves, on the other hand, were awesome. Go see them!

It was terrible, walked out after 5 songs. The drummer was so bad I couldn't believe it. He couldn't keep his tempos straight and played every song as if it were a speed metal song. Sorry I wasted my time with this show.

Awesome as ever. Don't wait five years to come back again, guys! For crying out loud, can you not see how much we love you??

I love Doves and they never fail to disappoint. House of Blues Boston is a great venue. Put the two together, and you've got a perfect show. Wish I could do it all over again!

Excellent performance, venue was okay, not too busy, so could get to the bar easily. sound was good and the Doves were frankly excellent - I have been a long time fan but this is the first time to see them live..

Doves are an amazing band and I am SOOO happy I got to see them again!!! The last time was 4 years ago, also an incredible show, and it was too long in between!! Now we just need Elbow to come to Philly & I'll be set =D

The support act, Wild Light, although a little wet behind the ears showed great promise. Some of their numbers were very catchy and had a lot of people swaying and nodding. One thing that did bother me is that they haven't really figured out who should be doing what in the band - so not only were there numerous guitar changes and instrument swapping, but also the lead vocal duties changed way too much - probably something to do with "it's my song so I'm singing it" syndrome. I've seen Doves play a number of times now and they never fail to impress. Quality musicanship will always prevail. They played a tight set mixing the old with the new - each one a gem. I won't bore you with what they played - others get paid to do that. Suffice to say it was a great show and I can't wait for the next one. Not sure about the House of Blues though. The sound was good, as it always was at axis/avalon. I need more than a lick of paint and some added neon to convince me. Luckily I went for the show and not the food, drink, t-shirts etc.....

The Doves take you on an amazing musical & lyrical journey that flies so high above all the other mainstream crap music that is out there.

This concert started off with a little-known band named Pop Noir and soon became a visual and vocal celebration of unique talent, streamlined musicianship and unfiltered showmanship! The visual kick came from twins Joe and Luke McGarry who were distinct in their styles, but alike in their fundamental love for the music! Running through the crowd was equally energizing! Pop Noir entertained the audience and set the tone for the Doves with steady progression, something most up and coming bands can't accomplish with a single set! The Doves kept that energy at full throttle! Even the biggest, brawniest, toughest guys in the audience were dancing like no one was watching! I was in a mind-craze and can't remember some of the details (coulda been those double Jager-blasters kickin' in!) Keep it up, HOB, Doves and Pop Noir! A mix that I'll never miss!

Excellent show! The Doves definitely did not disappoint.

PLEASE TOUR MORE IN THE US. DOVES ARE THE BEST BAND EVER.

Great show at a great venue. Band sounded great and the energy was high.

Seen doves twice before and they were excellent. Unfortunately this time, the sound levels and delay of the vocals and instruments were so off and not in sync that we left halfway through the show.

This show was at the Trocadero in Philly which is just a great place to see a concert. The acoustics were terrific and the Doves really rocked! I thought I was going to like the show, but I ended up loving it. They are a must see!

Sound system was awful, at least two speakers were blown and had interference, which only made the fact that the band were out of tune and uninterested even worse. Have seen Doves before and loved them, but after this i'm def not going back any time soon.

Doves are always a great band to see live. If you get a chance, I highly recommend.