Doves + Delphic @ The Assembly, Leamington Spa – 16th December 2009
I’ve seen Doves a handful of times this year already. Always an event, I’ve watched them fight through a bout of flu that would have felled most bands and turn the electric proms into a Mancunian delight by combining with the London Bulgarian choir, and with Magazine as support. I’d still pay to see Jimi Goodwin in one of the choir outfits but tonight it’s the familiar jeans and shirt, not that you see much of him under low level lighting.
The audience was a mix of Leamington locals who realised that Christmas has come early with the chance to see Doves in their home town, and well-travelled devotees eager to see them in a more intimate venue. Tonight and recent gigs build up to the Manchester Central show on Friday.
An early lesson I learned with Doves was always to see the support – there have been some great combinations and contrasts chosen over the years. Tonight its Delphic and it’s my first chance to see them (although reviewed recently by Birmingham Live in their own right).
Delphic were far heavier and intense than I expected and that’s a good thing. The buzz about Delphic must be spreading, as the Assembly crowd was easily the biggest I’ve seen for a support in a long time at any venue. These tour dates trail the January release of their album Acolyte and TV appearances on the likes of Later… have certainly raised their profile. I love bands that are an experience and Delphic fit that bill. There has been a lot written about them already but in my opinion you have to see them for yourself.
It was also good to meet people in the audience who had travelled specifically to see them and I was told that Doubt was the stand out number – I preferred This Momentary which seemed to be an extended version. I hope to see Delphic headlining venues like the Assembly and bigger in the coming months.
Doves have a reputation as being one of the most consistent and solid live bands around.; always epic with a sound that pulls you in and heightens the senses. In a setting like the Assembly with superb sound quality it felt as if the music was wrapped around me.
For this gig they were stripped down to standard line up with none of the usual film shows or graphics behind them making the four musicians the focal point.
The set was a familiar one with the exception of House of Mirrors now being played live. The crowd were not particularly lively seemingly more intent on listening but becoming more animated during the favourites like Black and White Town.
As usual the highlight for me was The Cedar Room . whenever I hear it live it sticks my head for days.
The band were less vocal than usual but Jimi was full of his usual blokey charm. I’m convinced I heard him call Royal Leamington Spa “Lemo” when he addressed the crowd with festive greetings and heartfelt thanks for the support they received. Martin Rebelski the keyboard player and “Fourth Dove” is actually from “Lemo” and late in the set threw his towel to friends in the audience.
Other than that they concentrated on the music, a mix of songs from their recent Kingdom of Rust album and well known favourites, ending with The Last Broadcast followed by There Goes The Fear.
All in all this was a good, if not actually great, Doves gig and a fine event for The Assembly.
Set list
Where We’re Calling From
House Of Mirrors
Snowden
Winter Hill
Pounding
Jet Stream
Fire Suite
Kingdom of Rust
10.03
The Outsiders
The Great Denier
Black and White Town
Caught By The River
——
The Cedar Room
The Last Broadcast
There Goes The Fear
Review & Photos -Steph Colledge