Doves : 'Winter Hill'
Released: 20th July 2009
Label: Virgin
Forthcoming single “Winter Hill” from long standing act Doves promises, in premise, much of the same for fans, but little else for strangers to the band. Although a solid track in the main, it's distinctly radio friendly feel strips away the edginess that has been a feature of their music in past years. With solid yet safe instrumentation the track moves a a steady pace thanks to a slightly interesting guitar riff and metronymic 4/4 drumming. A typically sturdy bass line anchors the instruments to good effect, allowing the guitar to become more expressive and flowing towards the end of the track.
The vocals are somewhat of a let down, with the melody rarely challenging vocalist Jimi Goodwin's range, giving the whole thing a distinctly lethargic feel. Usual group vocals add another dimension without ever really enthralling. It is safe to say that the album version far surpasses the single, with a less over produced air and more grit. Yet even then the track feels rather uninspired and certainly not Doves at their best.
Whilst devotees of Doves may just about be satisfied by what is on offer here, anyone new to the band will more than likely take one listen and search for another band to discover. By no means a terrible track, it simply fails to signal a development in the sound or song writing of the band.
Words: Dan Grose
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