Some Cities

iTunes Review

This band’s third album, Some Cities falls sonically between the group’s debut and its radio-friendly follow-up, The Last Broadcast, The lush, atmospheric sound that Doves favor is still intact, but they’ve also learned that a few melodic hooks added can be equally engaging. The bubbling title track and “Black and White Town,” with a Joe Jackson-like piano melody bouncing around the guitar line, best exemplify this hybrid. Similarly, “Almost Forgot Myself” builds swirling, dreamy atmospherics around a delicate bass line and echo-y guitars. Sometimes, though, all the layering overreaches, as with “The Storm.” Though its swelling and then receding strings and psychedelic vibe are initially intriguing, it ends up being a bit exhausting. When the band finds the right balance, gently marrying majestic atmospherics with organic hooks – such as the sweeping “Snowden,” “One of These Days,” and the epic “Walk In the Fire” – Doves soar high indeed.