Doves / The Magic Numbers - Manchester Apollo - 7.04.05

Like the song would surely suggest, this is indeed a family affair. Opening act The Magic Numbers comprise of bearded frontman Romeo Stodart with his sister Angela on bass and additional vocals. Drummer Sean Gannon is joined by his sister Angela on percussion. They're like a real life Partridge Family or a flower power Hanson. They remind me alot of the hippy Swedes The Wannadies. Obviously fond of the less hedonistic side of the 60s and more in common with the peace and love, they wrap some beautifully arranged harmonies to lush melodies which are gloriously optimistic. Romeo's voice may tend to sound a bit too American for a man Trinidad, but the look of contentment on his face and a natural connection with the crowd would endear him to any audience. New single "Forever Lost" has chart potential and who can resist any song which features a melodica solo. With three of the four members with strong, distinctive vocals, songs like "Him For Her" have a special, endearing quality and it's easy to see the Magic Numbers really come into their own when they headline a tour of the UK in May.

The cynical amongst you could call Jez and Andy Williams the Brothers Grim, but it's as a threesome with Jimi Goodwin that Doves truly come into their own as the missing link between The Smiths and New Order. They may be dour, unglamorous, scruffy Manc's who just look like Joe average, but once you hear their music, it's then that you take notice. After two studio albums and a collection of quality B-Sides, Doves released what can often be in musical terms, the difficult third album. There was no evidence of inspirational drought on "Some Cities" which is already being heralded as one of the best albums of the year so far.

Although billed as the "Some Cities" tour, as a set it's a good mix of songs off all their albums to date with a surprise in store (more of that later). With an arresting light show, Doves begin with their powerful yet sensitive single from a few years ago, "Pounding", with the fans swaying at the front in utter devotion at a homecoming gig (the second of two sold out dates). Joining Doves on stage is Rebelski who replicates the more intricate, technical aspects of the album with skilful diligence.

Their latest single "Black And White Town" was a magnificent come back and to hear it live with it's nod to Northern Soul with Jimi's soulful vocals and underrated bass line is a pleasure and privilege. "Almost Forgot Myself" and the bands next single "Snowdon" are probably two of the most memorable tracks off the new album and of the new material it's proof that Doves have yet to reach their peak. This is the most assured, confident and epic performance from a band who are destined to dominate arenas on their next tour.

"The Cedar Room" leaves everyone understandably speechless through it's awe-inspiring drive, but for the encore Doves keep on delivering the goods. As we watch footage of dancers from Wigan Casino, Jimi takes to the drums as Andy takes care of vocal duties on the smooth, seductive "Here It Comes". "There Goes The Fear" arrives straight afterwards with it's rhythmic homage to the Stone Roses. That surprise that I tantalizingly teased you with at the start of the review is revealed just before the gig comes to a close. It's an old Sub Sub track, which is a raved up happy hardcore dance track, which was unexpected and novel way to end a Doves gig.

Nicholas Paul Godkin
Photos: Karen McBride www.karenmcbride.com

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Doves / The Magic Numbers - Liverpool Royal Court - 04.04.05

Two sets of mixed gender siblings added up perfectly to amount the spell binding 70s, Mamas and Papas revivalist rockers who call themselves The Magic Numbers. The embodiment of sincerity and soulfulness that is Trinidad raised lead man Romeo Stodart, was a picture of enthusiasm and joviality from the outset, as was evidenced in the clatteringly tingling opener ‘Mule’.  The bouncing bass lines of his sister Angela provided the wheels to the crisp and strolling bandwagon of bolstering blissfulness, as the ethereal and uplifting Wayne Coyne meets John Sebastian and touch of Neil Young vocals of Romeo took the audience on a mystical journey to inner piece. This was highlighted in stand out tracks; ‘I See You, You See Me’ and the romantically crafted ‘Hymn For Her’ that exuded an infectious contentedness that seeped into the audience; resulting in more grins than at a Tony Blair look-a-like contest.

The charming and cheeky Jimi Goodwin led his Doves charge onto an illuminated stage,  stopping dead like Father’s 4 Justice campaigner, as he stared defiantly into the sea of onlookers before exclaiming with a sense of humour that only a Man City fan could possess;

 “We are not going to play a single note until you promise to take back Steve McManaman.”

He soon responded to the puppy dog looks that greeted him and dove into a frenetic and passionate version of ‘Pounding’ from their second album ‘The Last Broadcast’, following that up with the chilling and defiant ‘Words’. The pace slowed down for a period of reflection as ‘Almost Forgot Myself’ was the first foray into material from their new album ‘Some Cities’. The Stone Roses styled ‘Caught by the River’ provided some nostalgia and reminded gatherers of the potency of Goodwin’s poetic song writing prowess.

The night consisted of a carefully selected array of material spanning the entire Doves career mixing together like herbs and spices, to provide a kick to an evening of emotive and earnest rock that has re-introduced integrity to modern music. The popular longing sing-a-long number ‘Cedar Room’ dragged an at times lethargic crowd into action. However, it was not until the very last song of the evening; the piercing ‘There Goes the Fear’ that a real pit erupted, as the crowd threw their inhibitions into the ever muggy air with each soulful reiteration of the song title by Jimi Goodwin. The antithesis of The Darkness has returned, bringing pride and precision with them.

David Adair
Photos: Karen McBride www.karenmcbride.com
 
 

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