Music - Doves, The: Some Cities
 Terry Bartley  rates it:    Community rates it: (no ratings yet)
   146 of 308 readers found this review helpful.

The Doves are a British trio which is basically a spin-off of the Dance Combo sub sub, since they all have been a part of it. They debuted in 1998 with the Cedar EP and have released six subsequent albums since then, "Some Cities" being the latest of these.

To describe their music is a hard assignment. They are definitely rockers, but as the CD progresses, it becomes really trancey. It seems strange for me to hear some really rockin' songs followed by some trance. Trance is cool, I admit, but it is an odd mix. However, they do have their origins in dance music, and since I couldn't hear them do a bopy upbeat dance song, trance is the only alternative. Although I may complain about the oddity of their mix of genres, their playing and vocals blend seamlessly in the two, an amazing feat for any artist. Also, I have to tell you that they wrote all 11 tracks as a group themselves, you really don't hear of a lot of entire bands writing songs anymore.

Most of the rockin' songs are at the beginning. The title track, "Some Cities" is almost anthem-like once it gets going. It is a really clever song, the lyrics were really thought out and the music only emphasizes what he's saying. The next track, "Black and White Town," is an awesome dance/rock song. It isn't the bouncy music of DDR, but very reminiscent of late 70s dance music, not really disco, but back when dance music didn't require a synthesizer. It is very refreshing to hear something like this when the dance scene is filled with Britneys and J. Lo.s. The final stand-out track is "Sky Starts Falling." This songs feels really old school rock. His vocals are so smooth here and the rhythm is nothing short of perfect.

Other then these songs there are a bunch of trance-like songs. I'll be the first to admit that trance is not my thing. I've always thought they all sound alike, but they have sold me on the idea of it. They interrupt the long held out lyrics with a kickin' guitar solo or some keyboard. It is a pretty awesome way to make trance music accessible to the greater masses. They were able to make trance music that is at least bearable to me, which is a task. It is amazing how they can incorporate elements from these two completely different genres to make something accessible to fans of both of them.

Overall, the Doves are really good. They are able to seamlessly mix trance with rock in a way which appeals to fans of both genres. They were able to create trance songs that don't blend together or get tired. Even a non-trance person like myself has to say it is pretty cool after listening to this album. For selling me on trance, writing their songs as a group, and allowing someone who has rock roots like me to say they like them without being ashamed, I have to give them 4 out of 5 cans.

Added:  Saturday, April 09, 2005

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