I had the privilege of attending Doves, three warm up shows in North West England late last month. Like all of you I’m sure, the idea of going to see Doves without Jimi took some getting used to. So off I went, not really knowing what to expect. I was at Doves last gig back in 2019 at the Gunnersville festival in London. This was billed as Doves last gig of that year with the band planning to finish the album that would become The Universal Want. Doves would resume touring upon completion of the album. But if you want to give God a laugh, tell her your plans…
The first night in Stoke was a cold one! I kept telling folks it was colder in Stoke than it is in Chicago! It really was. That damp cold that goes straight to the bone! Pre-gig, Doves fans warmed up inside the local pubs, excited to be able to see the band live once again. Rightly, there was no support act. A DJ warmed up the crowd nicely at the excellent Sugarmill.
Doves hit the stage at 9pm. Predictably, they opened with Firesuite. A great way to ease into the show for the band, no doubt, and for us fans too. A good look at the new live line-up. Jez, Andy & Martin Rebelski took their usual places on stage. The new additions to the band, Jake Evans on the audience’s stage left on guitar and excellently on backing vocals, more on that later! No stranger to Doves fans. His inclusion felt right with his history with the band; previously he was part of Jimi’s Odludek tour band. He also played some dates supporting Black Rivers. The excellent Nathan Sudders on bass completed the new live lineup for this warm up tour.
Carousels followed next. A speeded up version, similar to the version performed live at those 2020 ‘lockdown’ performances. All eyes, naturally, were on Jez. He delivered a strong, confident performance. It was obvious he’d put a lot of work into his vocal delivery. This could work.. the band sounded incredibly tight. Clearly well rehearsed. Any concerns I had about how this new live line-up would work soon vanished, within like a minute into this track. Very impressive.
Words was up next! A fan’s favourite live. The inclusion of Jake who naturally was able to take the weight of the guitar work from Jez, as he would do throughout the show, allowed Jez to focus on being the ‘front man’. It seemed to be working well so far.
A new one, next! Cold Dreaming. Having heard this song on the album (An album review to follow in the new year) It’s a classic Doves single, but there’s a lot going on, as you’ll hear soon enough. I wasn’t too sure how this would come across live, if they would indeed attempt it. I shouldn’t have worried! They aced it live. It certainly sounded the most rehearsed track of the evening. Andy’s drumming really stood out on this track live. Nathan Sudders on bass was playing like he’s been in the band for years. A really calming figure at the back of the stage. It all gelled really well to give us fans a brilliant show.
Black and White Town followed, and in Stoke and on each night, this felt like the first collective release for the band & crowd. Hearing the sound of a song that has been a soundtrack of our lives for the last 20 years. Jez’s vocals seamlessly fit in really well. Jez’s pre-tour comments that “the songs were designed to be bigger than the sum of their parts” certainly rang true on this track. Snowden quickly followed and similarly, Jez’s vocals came across well. Jake’s guitar blended seamlessly with Jez’s guitar playing. The pacing of the songs was clearly well planned, typically as you always get with a Doves live show.
Renegade – Like Cold Dreaming, this sounded well rehearsed. Bodes well for the full UK tour next year where no doubt, more new tracks will be added to the set. Martin Rebelski, the glue that keeps Doves live sound together, started this one off, as on the record. Again, Jez’s vocals really sounded strong. We do sometimes forget, his harmonies play a big role on the majority of the songs on Doves’ catalog. It all sounded very familiar which was the key for me. Yes, of course Jimi will be missed by all. But much respect to Jez for stepping up with the rest of the band to give us a great live performance.
Rise – Jez introduced this as “an oldie but a goody” so true. Another fans favourite, this really got a loud reception at all 3 gigs. The band nailed this one each night. A must for the UK tour for me.
Cycle of Hurt – It was great to hear another track from The Universal Want. The band could have played all of this album live, so strong is the material. We got three tracks. I was sure they’d play For Tomorrow live! Hopefully one day, but what track do they leave off the set is the question. Jake Evans BVs along with his guitar playing was a joy to hear on this track live.
Sea Song – The biggest surprise of the set for me. The instrumentation is of course sublime on the studio version, but for me, it’s all about Jimi’s vocals both on record & live. I did not expect the band to put this in the set. I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong. Jake Evan’s backing vocals made this work live, for me. Brilliant.
Mother Silverlake – They had to play this one. Sounds just as good live as it did on the album. This has to stay in the set for the UK tour next year. Jez at his very best live, all three nights.
10:03 – Yeah! One of their best live tracks, Again, Jake’s BVs really help make this work. Andy & Nathan on rhythm section, propelled this track to sound more rockier, almost The Who like. The version at Birkenhead was insanely good, the best of the three and one of the highlights of the tour for me.
Pounding See Black and White Town. Euphoric.
Caught By The River – Jez played his classic lead guitar each night on this track, what a joy that was to hear. As has always been the case, the live version is driven by Andy’s drumming. His performance on this song is always a pleasure to watch live. It’s his power that takes the song to it’s brilliant finale. Again, Nathan’s bass playing is exceptional, but on this one especially in sync with Andy. The version at the Trades Club was another highlight of the tour.
The Cedar Room – I wasn’t sure if they’d play this song but I’m glad they did! It sounded glorious as ever. As with all of the songs, Jez sang this track with much confidence but more importantly he delivered the vocal in his own style, rather than try to be Jimi. It worked a treat. Another big shout out to Nathan for his performance. Jimi’s vocal being missed was the obvious thing, but his bass playing, especially on this track live, would be a big miss. Nathan stepped up brilliantly. A glorious ending to the main set.
Here It Comes – They had to play this one! Especially as they had promised Andy would also sing some of the vocals. A powerhouse live, as you’d expect. Outstanding. Jake Evans on drums.
Kingdom of Rust – A different arrangement for the intro, Andy remained at stage front for vocals, for the first half of the track. Before switching back to the drums to finish the track both on drums & vocals. By Hebden, it felt like they’d got this new arrangement working well. I’d imagined Andy being able to sing For Tomorrow, maybe one day. There’s other new songs to work into the set!
There Goes The Fear Like Black and White Town & Pounding. Always a pleasure to be in a room when this track is being performed live. They couldn’t finish on any other song, well maybe except one other… one for another day, perhaps! But this track leaves you, leaving the venue on an absolute high. The way the best gigs should.
The same set each night. 18 songs, the longest set they’ve played since The Best of tour in 2010. Confidence was clearly gained each night. By Hebden Bridge, they were flying! If you’re debating whether to try to get a ticket to see Doves live (good luck at this point!) then I would urge you to try. Jimi was not forgotten, Jez did give a shout out to Jimi each night. Jimi sounds mighty fine on the new album (some of his best vocal work of his career imo!) more on that next year. This live band sounds mighty fine live and will do the songs justice, and some! as they proved on this tour. See you next year!