Doves / The Music - London Astoria - 5/4/02
4/5
By: Andy Willson
A rescheduled concert, originally due to take place in February, this evening's soiree is a highly-anticipated affair - albeit, with a sold-out and eager crowd, too. From the outset, it's clear it's gonna be a good one.
Doves haven't played a headline London show for what seems like an age, with tonight largely anticipated for by the fact they're due to unveil new material from soon-to-be on-sale LP, the already-enthused about, 'The Last Broadcast'. In support and on-stage first, however, are The Music: the latest northern-sensations to take the media by storm - whilst simultaneously being the most recent artists to not yet have an opportunity to get the music out to The People. But, if tonight was to be a fair indication of how the masses will respond, given a chance to absorb their fiery groove, then it looks like the world's in for something special...
Although the crew took a little longer than the usual in order to set up the stage for the preceding act to the main event, the old, yet useful, phrase 'it was worth the extra wait' seems to be a fitting statement. The secret to this feisty five-piece's live appeal is the set they choose: which opens at a reasonably brisk pace, before gathering momentum with every passing tune, eventually leading to a fitting closure. The vocals resemble Plant, whilst the soundtrack indicates towards a funky fusion of Stone Roses and The Happy Mondays, in the most thrilling coalition of genres that's most likely to crop up in the coming year.
And, as if that wasn't satisfying enough, frontman Rob even shakes his dodgy barnet like a reincarnated Bez. So, new talent this year? Your challenge: beat this. And, alt-fans? Your task: when these guys play a town near you, book your ticket immediately - The Music will improve your life.
By the time Doves arrive in sight to a flashing green-pulse, hypnotically throbbing across the venue via a large screen, it's no wonder why the tension's high for a pedigree performance. Reassuringly, however, a well-warmed up crowd greets them with applause so rapturous that it was like they'd never been gone.
At first, possibly cagey as they hadn't played a major London gig-proper for around two years, the mood lightens as the band begin a manic and bizarre shouting-fest. 'City are back,' is bellowed across the bemused Astoria from the front, in recognition of UK football-team Manchester City having been promoted to the Premier League, only hours before the performance. Sport-support aside, though, and events kick-start with a new opener, oddly possessive of Oasis tendencies. However, before an opportunity of alienation seeps in, the group switch over to a triumphant run-through of their last single, the epic and moving 'The Man Who Told Everything'.
From here on in, it's naturally the standard 'established-band-plays-return-gig and decides to intertwine old tracks with new stuff' affair, which - luckily - bubbles up to a great success. Of upcoming music, it's the present single, 'There Goes The Fear', that was best received, though the unmistakable highlight of the night was, indubitably, a classy rendition of their most classic track to date, 'The Cedar Room'. By the time events are rounded off, the packed venue empties, but the excitement of what's just been witnessed doesn't.
Tonight was a special occasion: a chance to witness bands old and new, both of which are just on the brink of fully obtaining the success they deserve... Oh yes, 2002 will be a good year for The Music and, of course, the Doves - even despite the latter being City fans.
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