It's three years now since Doves released the markedly downbeat 'Some Cities', and yet in spite of this hiatus there's a palpable sense of expectancy prior to the gig tonight. A sold out Olympia crowd sits politely through a support act who betray a studied awareness of Kings of Leon chic but ultimately labour through a soporific set.
That Doves take to the stage to such a sense of euphoria is largely down to the excellence of both their debut 'Lost Souls' but perhaps more pointedly, the world-weary charm of sophomore album 'The Last Broadcast'. Tellingly the band draw heavily from both - 'Pounding' and 'Words' are early highlights. New single 'Kingdom of Rust' works wonderfully live as, in spite of its poignancy, it provokes the first lusty singalong of the evening. It's the new music however which at times fails to ignite - 'The Outsiders' and 'Winter Hill' merely seem like clothes cut from the same cloth.
Yet, by the time they return for the encore, Doves have blown away any such quibbles. 'Caught by the River' and 'There Goes the Fear' shimmer tonight - the latter, in particular, bringing the evening to a cacophonous end.
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