Kingdom Of Rust - Doves

DOVES – KINGDOM OF RUST

Short history of Doves (not The Doves) is that they used to be a 90s dance band of acid house ilk and had relative success that hit a high point with the catchy single ‘Aint No Love’ (Aint no use). Perhaps somewhere on the come down they regrouped and reinvented themselves as an indie band and released ‘Lost Souls’ to great critical acclaim back in 1999. ‘Last Broadcast’ was more created with more commercial ...
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Overall, I think Kingdom of Rust represents Doves music quite well. It is quite commercial and is most like ‘Last Broadcast’ than any of the other albums which may make it popular with the anthem seeking music fans. It does possess some real quality tracks and some of the best of their career which make the four year wait seem more bearable. I would recommend this album to any fans of the previous records or anyone who has liked the sound ... more

DOVES – KINGDOM OF RUST

Short history of Doves (not The Doves) is that they used to be a 90s dance band of acid house ilk and had relative success that hit a high point with the catchy single ‘Aint No Love’ (Aint no use). Perhaps somewhere on the come down they regrouped and reinvented themselves as an indie band and released ‘Lost Souls’ to great critical acclaim back in 1999. ‘Last Broadcast’ was more created with more commercial influences and consequently moved their cult status to more mainstream, especially with the first two singles ‘There goes the fear’ and ‘Pounding’ becoming instant indie anthems.

Third album ‘Some Cities’ returned Doves to a more downbeat atmospheric record that spawned another Doves classic ‘Black and white town’ but the long player hit a more selective audience. Forth album ‘Kingdom of Rust’ was released recently and here is my brief track by track review: -

‘Jet Stream’ – Album opener seems on first listen to be more Sub Sub, than doves with samples creating the main groove. A grower that takes some getting used to especially as the lead vocals are by guitarist Jez Williams. 8/10

‘Kingdom of Rust’ – Instant doves classic and lead single with distinctive guitars and groove that has made doves so well liked in the world of indie music. Clocking in over 5 minutes, the reason the song is so good is that you don’t feel that it lasts as long as that. 10/10

‘The Outsiders’ – Thumping bass and loud electric guitars show the statement of intent by the band. The album took some 4 years from the previous and this is a much more positive sounding song and record as a whole 8/10

‘Winter Hill’ – Follow up single is, for me, a bizarre choice given the quality late on in the album but nevertheless, a typical doves song with rhythmic guitars and memorable chorus. A song, not too dissimilar in chart-friendly sounding style to ‘Snowden’ on previous album ‘Some Cities’ 7/10

’10:03’ – Self proclaimed by the band to be their favourite on the album, and the longest track to get finished. A ballad of sorts; with soft sounding guitars, drums, piano and vocals which build up later. Another grower 9/10

‘Greatest denier’ – Another guitar led song, which now makes opener Jetstream sound unique. Quite bland in comparison to other songs before 6/10

‘Birds flew backwards’ – Slow to get going, this song is probably one too many downbeat songs, which may have fitted in better on the previous album. 6/10

‘Spellbound’ – Awesome song that again exceeds the 5 minute barrier but is a superb blend of acoustic and picked electric guitar. The solo towards the end is fitting to one of the standout tracks on the album 10/10

‘Compulsion’ – Album now appears to get stronger as it approaches the latter part. Compulsion has a brilliant bassline that holds the songs structure and complimented by strummed electric guitar. It sounds like nothing else they have done before but in a great way. 10/10

‘House of mirrors’ – Back to the guitar driven doves we know and love, and furthermore, for me, it is an obvious single that represents the main vibe on the album. 9/10

‘Lifelines’ – piano led closer brings the whole album together nicely but in comparison to the awesome three tracks previous it is difficult to see this on that level 7/10

Overall, I think Kingdom of Rust represents Doves music quite well. It is quite commercial and is most like ‘Last Broadcast’ than any of the other albums which may make it popular with the anthem seeking music fans. It does possess some real quality tracks and some of the best of their career which make the four year wait seem more bearable. I would recommend this album to any fans of the previous records or anyone who has liked the sound of the single of the same name. Overall 9/10
 

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