The Last Broadcast by Doves (Review)
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Williams, Goodwin, and Williams were somebody to contact when you needed legal advice but, in fact, they’re the multi-talented trio behind the Manchester band Doves. Their critically acclaimed (and rightly so) debut album Lost Souls mused about the comedown following the demise of the Hacienda and the whole “Madchester” era of denim dungarees, Kicker boots, and floppy hair. Their awe-inspiring anthemic followup, The Last Broadcast, is one that simply takes things to the next level.
From the outset there appears to be a new confidence to their music. Spiralling guitars, pounding drums, and strong, melodic vocals combine to create a sound that’s new but that we’ve all heard and loved before. It’s almost like “fantasy” music where you can pick the best bits from your favorite New Order, U2, Stone Roses and (early!) Oasis albums and make something bigger and better than the collective sum.
“There Goes the Fear,” like all good things, feels like it’s over before its time (despite running nearly 7 minutes) while “N.Y.” takes us on a musical rollercoaster of psychedelic rock. The haunting “M62 Song” and gospel-tinged “Satellites” provide a welcome respite before the fast-paced guitars and thumping drums of the inevitable future single, “Pounding,” bring us back up again in style.
Every other track seems to have one of those little guitar riffs that instantly gets under your skin, most of which will undoubtedly be heard again accompanying football coverage, somewhere, on our TV screens shortly. It really is, as the age-old cliché suggests, “all killer and no filler”!
Written by Tony Mooney.