poppedmusic

Black Rivers

Released 9th February 2015

Words: Jimmy Gallagher

Any self respecting follower of UK indie rock over the last 15 years will emphasize the impact that certain bands have had on the genre in bringing it into the wider consciousness. Without being unjustifiably adorned with accolades that so many are, by certain spheres of the music press, there are two bands that deserve the highest praise indeed but were not seen to be ‘fashionable’ enough to be worthy of such attention.

British Sea Power and Doves, both hailing from England’s north west cannot be overlooked as the leading exponents in this time if not just for their consistent excellence.

Late last year, Doves lead singer Jimi Goodwin released a solo record that was very well received however, Doves fans may have feared that future releases would be curtailed as a result. That still remains to be seen.

2/3rds of Doves in the form of Jez and Andy Williams have followed Goodwin’s lead. Black Rivers sees Jez take the lead in Jimi’s absence, which he has done on a number of tracks on past Doves albums with aplomb.

Black Rivers self titled first album will hold no surprises for Doves fans. As expected, the quality of musicianship and songs are of the highest caliber and the record is a welcome document, if not just to exhibit the vocal talents that Doves lead guitar possesses. Perhaps, this goes to show that Jez Williams may have been underused by Doves in the past.

What stands out immediately on this record is the production quality and the programming nouse from Black Rivers. Diamond Days is a fuzz of 60’s pop as the delicate introduction to The Ship sees the vocal echo evolve into a trance hook that rises and falls as the intricate layers build into an epic ballad encountering a hurricane of noise whisked up from each simple part.

In the same breath as its predecessor, The Forest is as emotive. Perhaps, more recognizable as a Doves tune because of Andy Williams pounding repetitive tin beat, it lurks and lunges at you as if being held back by a lead to save us from its power. Three songs in and we are taken to the landscape that Black Rivers have created through their atmospheric use of synths and samples.

The first single off the album is Voyager 1 and it is quiet wonderful. The middle 8 gives way to a soaring and heart wobbling chorus that Jez glides through so effortlessly while Andy underpins the emotion with his razor sharp characteristic beat.

The songs follow the same pattern essentially, the tempo changes at will but only for split-seconds before the choruses lift up the listener to Black Rivers soundscape. The album is probably a bit on the short side and it is one paced but that pace allows room for movement between the rhythms.

The record finishes with its best song, Deep Rivers Run Quiet is a deliciously restrained number of piano chords paving way for Jez to release the potential he has always shown in his singing voice.

For me this record blows Doves lead singer’s album out of the water and just goes to prove what a force Doves are as a collective.