Some Cities

Doves' third album finally came out this week in the US. Its lead single, 'Black and White Town,' definitely grew on me over the last month or two, and has become one of my favorites of the year so far. Some Cities does not disappoint: it combines the more upbeat, luscious and optimistic songwriting from The Last Broadcast with the rich and complex dreamy atmospheres first introduced in Lost Souls. For that very same reason, however, it can be argued that this does not exactly break new ground for Doves --and indeed, some tracks feel like too much of a deja vu: it's easy to detect more than a hint of 'There Goes the Fear' in the playful and mesmerizing 'Walk in Fire', for example. Nevertheless, Doves certainly sound like nobody else and, with highlights such as the rhythmic 'B&W Town,' the hypnotic, bluesy instrumentation in 'The Storm,' the accomplished vocal harmonies and arresting beats in 'Sky Stars Falling,' or especially the beatiful melody, energized drums and disillusioned lyrics of 'Snowden,' this album falls nothing short of remarkable. But the strongest moment in my view is the soulful, electrifying opener and title track 'Some Cities.' --It makes me feel like packing my travel bag to spend my Spring break on a road trip... (I'd just need a driving buddy. Any volunteers?)