Doves at Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Post Brit-pop act Doves embark on their UK tour with the release of their latest EP, Constellations for the Lonely. After careful reflection, the group decided to play their shows without lead singer and guitarist, Jimi Goodwin, who is focusing on his mental health.

Jez Williams is lead vocalist and guitarist tonight, and in their upcoming performances across 15 cities. With flashing lights on screen and lighthouse visuals, combined with booming drone sounds depicting ship fog horns, their black and white short film takes centre stage, before an eclectic showcase of old and new tracks from an expansive repertoire. Firesuite is the perfect dulcet opener, with backing lights rotating, creating a delicate ambience. The Smiths-like Carousels follows, with brutalist videography complimenting the track, while Williams plays to the photographer, enjoying the limelight. Through Words, there is the nostalgic essence that runs through so much of the Doves’ material, continuing with Here It Comes, which is complemented by a vintage video showing young dancers in the 1970s that syncs with the music in an underrated and offbeat manner; drummer Andy Williams takes the lead singing and playing harmonica, while guitarist and touring member Jake Evans is on drums, a very cool exchange to behold.

The night is full of nostalgic gem highlights like the timeless Black and White Town, which is, incredibly, 20 years old, and Snowden, the signature synthesiser heralding a time gone by. The intro to Winter Hill sounds similar to The Who, and Bradford Cox’s VHS Dream (Teenage) while Last Year’s Man is dedicated to beloved band member Goodwin.

Enacting the classic trick that bands do live by throwing us off what they will play next, Doves perform Last Broadcast, this evening’s audience singing ecstatically, while the gorgeously melodious Rise, produces a distinct saudade.

Closing the encore to passionate jubilation, the group perform the much-appreciated Cedar Room, Western-style Kingdom of Rust, biggest hit, There Goes the Fear, accompanied by their award-winning music video, while brilliant dance number Space Face takes supreme reign, so fun you can’t help but move to the beat.

Doves play a joyous set that is perfect in tonight’s venue, leaving a jetstream of euphoria in their wake.

Selina Begum
Photos: Nick Bennett

For further information and future events visit Doves’s website here.

Watch the video for the single A Drop in the Ocean here: