Review Summary: 'Some Cities' aims for an ethereal atmosphere, while Doves lose one of their rock edge in the process.
Although the UK boasted a bunch of strong Indie Rock bands/artists in the early/mid 2000's, Doves have always stood out as a more unique act among the crowd. Hailing from Manchester, 'Some Cities' is the band's third album, however while keeping with Doves natural sound, there is certainly a more hazy, atmosphere heavy direction on this release. several of the tracks swell with moody piano and bass, showing off a more tender side to the bands song writing and, while less immediate, is a pleasing release.
Out of the gate however, the title cut isn't so different to what anyone familiar with Doves is used to. A steady beat, a melodic guitar line, all seems slightly run of the mill for an album that, later on, travels in many moods and directions. 'Black and White Town', however, displays the first major change heard in direction. With chugging guitar, moody piano, and a heavy atmosphere, the track is dark indie rock with a Mowtown-esque atmosphere bought on by the additional instruments, 'Black and White Town' is a fierce highlight.
The band softens up with 'Almost Forgot Myself', with a light aura around the music and a sweet guitar line, it sees Doves playing music that is melodic, atmospheric and accessible, qualities that have run strong through previous LP's. 'Snowden', a track with a squirming synth line but perhaps a little hook-lacking, is pleasing to the ears but does not stand as too much of a highlight amongst these tracks. 'The Storm' is an odd track. It lingers with a heavy atmosphere and feels a little lost, sounding more fitting to a film score rather than an Indie Rock album from this time period. However, 'Walk In Fire' really picks up the pace, taking an anthemic angle towards the likes of 'There Goes The Fear', with chugging guitar and still containing a beautiful atmosphere that coats the whole of 'Some Cities', keeping the album feeling concise and well rounded.
'One of These Days' feels a little sub standard, whereas 'Someday Soon' marks point where the band nail the ethereal atmosphere on 'Some Cities' best. Swooping, soft synthesisers, and pretty vocal croons from Jimi Goodwin makes the track feel like a musical accompaniment to walking through the countryside on a foggy morning. 'Shadows of Salford' feels more like an interlude than an actual track, but builds up tension before the powerhouse of 'Sky Starts Falling' appears. Doves get almost 'heavy' on this track, with thick, noisy chugging guitars and a powerful chorus that acts as a last hurrah of 'Some Cities', before a beautiful closer. 'Ambition', apparently recorded in a Scottish Cathedral, is all about the heavenly atmosphere that caps the album off with a majestic bow out.
although there are some fillers on 'Some Cities', the band focus on a dreamlike atmosphere and manage to make an album that is well rounded and consistent nearly all the way through. There are some heavy moments, some tender spots, but Doves have made an album that is focused and persistent, and come through with an end product that, although not brilliant, is highly enjoyable.
