It’s the older tracks that most provoke these communal happy/sad moments, in particular the encore’s one-two punch of The Cedar Room – their debut single, colossal Bonham-esque drums underpinning its slow-burn mantra – and There Goes the Fear, perhaps Doves’ signature tune. Tonight, it sounds like Radiohead’s No Surprises set to disco hi-hat, Goodwin weaving his generation’s free-floating anxiety into something comforting and anthemic that draws people together. You wonder how many here have had their fried post-party minds soothed and guided back to safety by Doves’ music over the years; certainly, it’s a trick they’ve pulled off again.

An excerpt from today’s four star Guardian review. Read the full review here.

Doves returned to Somerset House this evening for the first time since 2005. The social media chatter was all about the first outing of the year for Space Face! Timely given the upcoming 50th anniversary of the first moon landing and Jodrell Bank gaining A UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Setlist from the gig..

Thanks to Alan for sending in these photos …

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If you have photos or setlists from this year or any past gig please feel free send them my way @ dovesmusicblog@gmail.com

Next up for Doves is Tramlines festival in Sheffield on Sunday.

Doves announced today that the September 6th London, Gunnersville show will be their last show of the year.

Along with the festival appearances (headline slots at Kendal Calling & Bingley) Doves have four headline shows of there own left this summer. Tickets for these shows are on sale now.

July 26 Brighton, Racecourse – https://bit.ly/2KHTqig
July 28 Birmingham, Perry Park – https://bit.ly/2Iwq3wK
Aug 22 Hull, Zebedees Yard – https://bit.ly/2XTFrLN
Sept 6 London, Gunnersville – https://bit.ly/2NOu7fX

A couple more shots from the Eden performance, with thanks to John.

Doves next gig is at Somerset House in London on July 16th. The gig is advertised as sold out, but at the time of making this post, tickets are still available. Visit the Somerset House website, click on the SOLD OUT and it allows you to purchase tickets. Be quick, I doubt there’s many!

Yesterday saw Doves return to the Eden Project in Cornwall, where they joined Nile Rodgers & Chic. Doves played for an hour, I’m told the crowd were not too terribly enthusiastic, with large crowds sitting at the back waiting for the main draw. Fair enough, though the gig may be remembered for Jimi’s shout out to the large crowd sat down at the back..

‘Come down to the front, all you chutney munching basket weavers‘

With thanks to friend of the blog John McNulty for the photos & Jimi’s quote.

You asked for it… For those of you who don’t facebook, or would prefer not to, the old Doves Forum has been brought back to life. Join the (old school) cool kids..

Doves Forum

Doves have been confirmed as the Saturday headliners for the Bingley Weekender festival.

Tickets for the festival are on sale here.

In other festival news. Gabe Gurnsey (Factory Floor) will join Doves at Somerset House, London on July 16th. Tickets are long sold out for this show. Tickets are available for the London, Gunnersbury Park show on September 6th here.

Today’s issue of the Guardian ran a cool piece on Sub Sub’s Ain’t No Love (Ain’t No Use). Andy Welch interviewed all involved including Melanie Williams. A fascinating insight into how the track come about, read the full interview here.

Uncut has run a similar feature on the August edition of the mag. There feature is focused on how Doves wrote There Goes the Fear. Go check it out!

This past Sunday saw Doves join Noel Gallagher at Malahide Castle in Dublin. Here’s the setlist..

Here’s some great shots from the show taken by Robert Madden..

Next up for Doves is a slot at the Eden Project in Cornwall with Nile Rodgers & Chic on Sunday.

Radio X spoke to Andy at the Heaton Park. Some nice comments regarding playing live and recording new material.

In other News. Further support acts have been confirmed for a couple gigs. At Birmingham Innercity Live, The Twang have been added to the bill that already included Johnny Marr & The Coral.

Feeder will join Doves in Brighton along with The Coral. Busy times..