It’s now almost a decade since the release of Doves’ debut album, Lost Souls, and the third of April 2000 marked the point I first bought an album on the strength of one song – unfortunately I can’t remember which one, nor can I remember whether it was Lamacq or Peel who turned me onto it. This has become one of the most rewarding albums I’ve ever purchased, and a real love for Doves prevailed, only getting stronger upon moving to Manchester in 2004. It’s four years on from their last Manchester performance (a staggeringly beautiful set at the Apollo), and for this capacity crowd the excitement is about to reach breaking point.
Although I’ve only managed to fit in a few listens of new album Kingdom of Rust thus far, it has been perfectly clear that Jetstream would make a stunning set opener. It does, and if anything it exceeds expectations as it soars and pounds, quickening the pace of your heart. This is a track which shows how Doves have come full circle in a way, combining the raw energy of Sub Sub and the majestic, heart-wrenching beauty they’ve often employed as Doves. However, as the set progresses it becomes clear that they never left their past behind in the first place. What sounds quietly melancholic on record bristles with energy live, even on quieter tracks such as Ambition. Although the main set does not for one moment disappoint (both Pounding and Black and White Town are euphoric, new tracks like Winter Hill nestle happily against the old and already seem firm favourites), it is the encore where the band really shine.
Following reviews of earlier 2009 shows, it’s fair to say we’re likely to hear Northenden and sure enough, Jimi strides out for a semi-acoustic performance of the lovelorn, loyal paean to fucked up suburbia. Hairs on necks stand on end, the crowd is quietened. Jimi goes on to explain how he’s not happy that they’ve been referred to as a Cheshire band in the press purely because of where they recorded Kingdom of Rust: “I was born in Manchester,” he calls. “I’ll probably die in Manchester. Doves were shaped by Manchester; and the chances are you were too”. The call to arms is made complete by a powerful, triumphant rendition of Here It Comes, and not a soul is unmoved as bodies shake as one to Doves’ beat. There Goes the Fear escalates our emotions until that breaking point is finally reached. “We’ve not played here for four years. We couldn’t not do it.” That’s it. We have Space Face and in four songs Doves have proved why they are still Manchester’s most relevant band.
The photograph was taken by excellent local snapper Shirlaine Forrest. Check out here work here
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