The Cheshire band’s new single focuses on the story of 16th century nun and reformer Teresa of Ávila whose burial, pre-canonisation, was interrupted resulting in several of her body parts being removed and taken to locations in Rome, Paris, Lisbon and elsewhere. A peculiar end put to honour in the lyrics of the song “Her fingers are in Avila / Her jawbone is in Rome / Saint Teresa / With your body in different places / You truly are without a home”.

‘Saint Teresa’ is the third single out of the new album to be released, following ‘Cold Dreaming’ and lead single ‘Renegade’.

In a talk with NME, guitarist Jez Williams shared: “This is quite a dark album. We started to write it after we cancelled ‘The Universal Want’ tour, so some of the songs reflect that. We wanted ‘Renegades’ to start with this apocalyptic atmosphere. That’s what felt right for us after such a difficult time. Jimi was with us, but we were trying to make sense of all the mess – and that fed into the album. We’re living in pretty fucking horrible times, so we wanted to reflect that but give a little hope. When you listen to Neil Young, it feels like he understands you. It’s music that can hold your hand in this dark world. I see this as a future soul album for outsiders. We want you to feel understood.”

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Set to go on tour this year for the first time in 15 years, the Mancunian band shared recently that their front man would not be joining. They said Goodwin was “stepping back from live to focus on his wellbeing” and added: “Mental health has always been central to Doves and we fully support him in his decision.”

The rockers unfortunately had to cancel part of their last tour in 2021 due to Goodwin’s mental health struggles. Their 2025 tour will hit the road this February and March and will see the band visit 15 different venues across the UK. Tickets are now available via Ticketmaster.

‘Cold Dreaming’ marks an exciting evolution for the band. The song features Andy and Jez Williams sharing vocals, creating a layered and dynamic sound. This is then textured with funky rhythms and groovy strings. The track feels like a dip into new territory for Doves but retains most of the essence of what makes them unique. The result is a song that feels very fresh and unmistakably theirs. 

The release of the single is accompanied by a music video directed by Hingston Studio. The visuals offer a dreamlike narrative with bleak streets lit up with neon lights saying “Hope” and the title “Cold Dreaming”, mirroring its themes of introspection and renewal. The video draws viewers deeper into the world Doves are trying to portray with the new album. 

Along with ‘Cold Dreaming’, Doves released another single from the album called ‘Renegade’ in November of last year. ‘Renegade’ presents a broader, moodier sound with brooding basslines and raw lyrics that reflect on existential struggles and impermanence, showcased in the lines, “So the rain falls down and nothing lasts forever.” This is a stark difference from what ‘Cold Dreaming ‘delivers. Together, the two songs delve into the emotional highs and lows of real-life experiences, offering different but poetic perspectives on how to live in the modern era. Doves’ last album, ‘The Universal Want’, was a critical success, jumping to the top of the UK Albums Chart. There is no doubt this new album will achieve the same level of success. 

Formed in 1998, Doves comprises of vocalist and bassist Jimi Goodwin and twin brothers Jez and Andy Williams, who play guitar and drums. The trio first bonded over their shared love of music during their time at school and eventually became one of the UK’s most innovative alternative rock acts. Their signature style blends vibey atmospheric arrangements with heartfelt, raw lyrics, earning them a well-deserved and dedicated fanbase. 

In support of ‘Constellations For the Lonely’, Doves are gearing up for a series of intimate live performances in the UK. The band is hitting major cities like Edinburgh, Birmingham, and two dates in their hometown, Manchester, among many others. It is their first full tour in 15 years, and unfortunately, usual frontman Jimi will not be joining them as he focuses on his mental health. 

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‘Cold Dreaming’ is a testament to Doves’ enduring relevance and creativity. As they prepare to release ‘Constellations For the Lonely’, the newest single offer fans a glimpse into what is to come. With their ability to weave intricate soundscapes and tackle difficult themes, Doves remind us why they remain one of the most influential acts in music today. 

Ticket information can be found here.

The band’s mini-tour will begin at the Sugarmill in Stoke-on-Trent on November 27, followed by shows in Birkenhead at the Future Yard, and Hebden Bridge’s The Trades Club.

These venues undoubtedly show a turn towards intimate shows. Their 2021 tour would have seen them play at venues such as Brixton’s O2 academy with a capacity of nearly 5000. Instead, the group will be playing to crowds of closer to 400, which the band have described as “going back to our roots”.

After a hiatus during the 2010s, Doves reunited in 2019, leading to a full return to the studio and the release of The Universal Want in 2020. Plans for a 2021 tour were cancelled to prioritise Goodwin’s mental health.

While Constellations For The Lonely includes Goodwin’s contributions, the singer will not join the tour due to ongoing health and well-being concerns. Bandmates Andy and Jez Williams will cover vocal duties in his absence, which they’ve alternated with Goodwin throughout Doves’ career. The band issued a statement, saying, “Jimi’s health came first, but with his blessing, we’re able to play the songs from ‘The Universal Want’, ‘Constellations For The Lonely’ and others on stage.”

Doves’ 6th album ‘Constellations For The Lonely’ will be released in February on @eminorthrecords.
Listen to the first single, ‘Renegade’, and pre-order now.https://t.co/kqvL9HmfJg pic.twitter.com/4ubVtJvaqJ

— Doves (@dovesmusicblog) November 4, 2024

Goodwin, alongside twins Andy and Jez Williams, is one of the three founding members of Doves. Starting out as Sub Sub in 1989, the trio played dance music in and around the North West, and were even set to play the Hacienda nightclub in Manchester until the show was cancelled.

Goodwin himself expressed his support for the band’s decision to tour without him, noting that his recovery process isn’t compatible with a heavy tour schedule. “All my love and respect to Andy, Jez, Rebelski, and the new boys for taking it to you, our people. Please give them all your support and enjoy the shows!” he shared in a statement.

Just to be clear me (Jez) will be singing the songs (along with Andy on some of the songs) with Jimi very much in spirit ….I hope this is cool and you understand /are accepting as Jimi is still not out of the woods he’s doing really great but more time is needed

— Doves (@dovesmusicblog) November 8, 2024

Doves’ new album Constellations For The Lonely, due out February 14, 2025, follows their 2020 UK No. 1 album The Universal Want. The album was recorded across locations in Greater Manchester, North Wales, and Cheshire, with long-time collaborator Dan Austin contributing additional production.

With three exclusive dates set in intimate venues, Doves’ return to live performance promises a unique experience for fans. Despite Goodwin’s absence, the band aims to deliver a show to remember, celebrating both new music and fan-favourites from The Universal Want and beyond.

Doves’ 6th album ‘Constellations For The Lonely’ will be released in February on @eminorthrecords.
Listen to the first single, ‘Renegade’, and pre-order now.https://t.co/kqvL9HmfJg pic.twitter.com/4ubVtJvaqJ

— Doves (@dovesmusicblog) November 4, 2024

On their X profile, the band has teased a poster for the upcoming album and as well as a track list:

1. Renegade

2. Cold Dreaming

3. In The Butterfly House

4. Strange Weather

5. A Drop In The Ocean

6. Last Year’s Man

7. Stupid Schemes

8. Saint Teresa

9. Orlando

10. Southern Bell  

Here is the music video for their new single titled “Renegade“:

The band formed in the early to late 90s, after meeting in school where they were all playing in different bands. Firstly experimenting with dance sounds, they eventually set on rock in 1998. After releasing a few singles and EPs which received moderate critical acclaim, Doves released their first full length studio album called “Lost Souls” in 2000. In 2002, their second album “The Last Broadcast” was released and peaked at number one on UK charts.

With “The Last Broadcast”, the Doves gained popularity throughout the country. They released a DVD and a collection of songs called “Lost Sides”. They reached the UK number one once again with their third studio album “Some Cities” in 2005, which was recorded around the English and Scottish countryside. They also released the single “Black and White Town” which peaked at six in the UK: the song was inspired by the band’s hometown Wilmslow in Cheshire, county where parts of the album were also recorded. 

In 2009 Doves released the album “Kingdom of Rust” which peaked at number two on the UK chart and marked their final studio release for over a decade; after releasing the album and a collection of hits the following year, the band took a break to focus on other projects. “Constellations for The Lonely” is the band’s sixth studio album and comes nearly five years after their previous record “The Universal Want” was released in 2020.

The Band had announced a tour for the album in 2021, which was however cancelled due to one of the member’s struggles with mental health. After spending years out of the spotlight after the tour’s cancellation, the band is being welcomed by fans who are overjoyed with the release of the single and the announcement of the album. The band have revealed that much of the album was recorded remotely, to suit the member’s needs and to prioritize their welfare.  

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“Constellations for the Lonely” will be released on February 14, 2025.

UK & Ireland tour rescheduled to 2022.

Full details at https://t.co/QSy8M5XMS9 pic.twitter.com/lt6VmguJqv

— Doves (@dovesmusicblog) February 8, 2021

“We’ve held off making any announcements until we could give you the full details of the new dates which are now scheduled for early next year. With so many bands moving their tours to 2022, booking these dates has been tricky and there are a couple of venue changes due to their availability. Thanks for sticking with us, look after each other and we’ll see you next year.” 

Newly added events on the 2022 roster include an extra night at Barrowlands, dates at the Belfast Limelight and Dublin Olympia, as well as an additional London event at the O2 Forum Kentish Town.

Their fifth studio album, Doves released ‘The Universal Want’ in September 2020, following a ten year hiatus. The album included singles ‘Carousels’, ‘Prisoners’ and ‘Cathedrals of the Mind’, and was met with critical acclaim; Paul Moody of Uncut praised the band for their lyrical depth on the album, taking “strength from sadness, hope from despair, and wisdom from experience.” The album debuted at number one on the Scottish and UK album chart, becoming the band’s third album to reach the domestic top spot. Speaking on the unusually long hiatus before the new album, dummer Andy Williams said: “We never really split up, so to speak. It was 2010 the last time we toured; it just sort of felt like we solidly hammered it for about 25 years, if you consider the previous band Sub Sub. It just felt like it was time to recharge the batteries and spend some time apart, but I think we always felt like we’d make music together again.”  

Find the full amended tour schedule below:

11/02/2022 – Great Hall – Cardiff
12/02 – Eventim Olympia – Liverpool
14/02 – Limelight – Belfast
15/02 – Olympia – Dublin
17/02 – O2 Academy – Sheffield
18/02 – Barrowland – Glasgow
19/02 – Barrowland – Glasgow
21/02 – UAE – Norwich
22/02 – O2 Academy – Bournemouth
23/02 – Dome – Brighton
25/02 – O2 Academy Brixton – London
26/02 – O2 Forum Kentish Town – London
28/02 – O2 Academy – Bristol
01/03 – O2 Academy – Birmingham
03/03 – O2 Apollo – Manchester
04/03 – Rock City – Nottingham
05/03 – O2 City Hall – Newcastle

The band posted to their social media accounts saying, “Something to look forward to,” as the UK enters its second lockdown in response the Covid-19 pandemic. The first date will be 19th June at The Piece Hall in Halifax, with supporting acts Nadine Shah, Pip Boom, and Sfven. Following is an outdoor show in Delamere Forest, Cheshire – special guests are yet to be announced. Tickets are on sale now for both the new dates, the last few for the full tour, and the release shows.

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Something to look forward to! https://smarturl.it/DOVESPIECEHALL21

A post shared by Doves (@dovesofficial) on Nov 2, 2020 at 2:02am PST

The tour is in support of Doves’ new album ‘The Universal Want’, which was released on 11th September to high praise. Five singles were shared to promote the fifth LP from the band: ‘Remnants I’, ‘Remnants II’, ‘Carousels’, ‘Prisoners’, and ‘Cathedrals of the Mind’. This will be their first major tour in over ten years. Prior to the tour, there will be a series album release shows, which have had to be planned later than usual given the current situation. As stripped back live shows, they will be short sets of music performed to a select audience in Dundee, Leeds, and Kingston.

 

 

 

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We’re looking forward to playing short, stripped back shows next February in Dundee at Fat Sam’s (Feb 9) Leeds, The Wardrobe (Feb 10) and Kingston upon Thames, Pryzm (Feb 11). Last remaining tickets are on sale now at https://Doves.lnk.to/TicketBundle #doves #dovesband #theuniversalwant

 

A post shared by Doves (@dovesofficial) on Sep 8, 2020 at 1:00am PDT

The full tour dates are below, including the two new dates.

09/02/2021 – Fat Sam’s – Dundee (8pm)
10/02 – The Wardrobe – Leeds (7pm and 9pm)
11/02 – PRYZM – Kingston (6pm and 9pm)
21/03 – University Great Hall – Cardiff
22/03 – O2 Academy – Bournemouth
23/03 – UEA – Norwich
25/03 – Brighton Dome – Brighton
26/03 – O2 Academy Brixton – London
27/03 – O2 Academy Brixton – London
29/03 – O2 Academy – Bristol
30/03 – O2 Academy – Birmingham
01/04 – O2 Apollo – Manchester
02/04 – Rock City – Nottingham
03/04 – O2 Academy – Newcastle
05/04 – Eventim Olympia – Liverpool
06/04 – Olympia Theatre – Dublin
07/04 – Limelight – Belfast
09/04 – O2 Academy – Sheffield
10/04 – Barrowland – Glasgow
11/04 – Barrowland – Glasgow
19/06 – Piece Hall – Halifax
20/06 – Delamere Forest – Cheshire

A ten-track album, The Universal Want contains songs like Broken Eyes, Carousels and Cathedral Of The Mind. The Universal Want marks over a decade since Kingdom of Rust, which Doves premiered way back in 2009. 

Packed full of soaring instrumentation, riffy guitars, and anthemic choruses, The Universal Want proves that Doves’ aptitude for making catchy sad music is still very much there, despite an eleven-year break. 

In a recent interview with NME, Doves drummer Andy Williams talked about the album’s token song, Broken Eyes, and how they managed to finally finish the track. Williams stated that “We’ve had it for many years, but never managed to finish that song.” The music video for Broken Eyes can be watched in full here.

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Our brand new album ‘The Universal Want’ is out now! Featuring the recent singles ‘Carousels’, ‘Prisoners’ and our new single ‘Broken Eyes’. Watch the video for ‘Broken Eyes’ now at https://Doves.lnk.to/BrokenEyesVideoIN – swipe up in our latest story to watch. You can stream, download and get signed copies of the album from https://Doves.lnk.to/TUWIN – link in the bio. dovesdovesbandtheuniversalwantbrokeneyescarouselsprisoners

A post shared by Doves (@dovesofficial) on Sep 11, 2020 at 1:01am PDT

Williams revealed that it only took a simple reworking to finish Broken Eyes after pulling it out of the archives. Williams relayed that “at the start of this new album writing process in 2017, we were going through the hard drives and came across this great song again. We approached it in a much more simple way. With the clarity of time, it was a lot easier to finish it this time.”

Jez Williams, Doves guitarist and brother of Andy Williams, added “We had to change the words to this one. There are a couple of songs on the record that after a decade and a bit of hindsight, we knew where we went wrong. ‘Broken Eyes’ was originally called ‘Cocaine Eyes’. We realised that we couldn’t have a band like us talking about cocaine eyes, because it just looks silly.”

Jez Williams also spoke on Doves’ songwriting process, explaining the band’s fluid, unstructured approach to making music. Williams said that “When we get together, we don’t have a mandate – that would be the beginning of the end,” he said. “We don’t even talk about it. We’re there in the moment and going with what sounds new. The song will dictate where we’re at.”

Whilst The Universal Want contains yearning, sometimes depressive themes in their lyrics, the band maintains that the album can’t be all doom and gloom. Andy Williams stated that “It can’t just be us moaning on. There’s got to be light. It doesn’t wash well for me with middle-aged bands coming out with adolescent lyrics. It’s good to register that life is a struggle, but to offer some kind of help.” 

 

 

 

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We’ve noticed that some of you are experiencing delivery issues with your order for the album. We asked about it and have received this explanation: “Unfortunately there have been issues with the record label’s warehouse and a number of pre-orders from the official website are late going out. We are really sorry this has happened. Please check your email if your album hasn’t arrived yet, orders are shipping and will be with you soon’ Thank you for your continued support! A post shared by Doves (@dovesofficial) on Sep 11, 2020 at 12:42pm PDT

Doves took to Instagram to share the arrival of The Universal Want. Featuring a snap of the album and a snippet of Broken Eyes playing in the background, the post was received wonderfully from fans, gathering over 4,000 likes and views. 

The full tracklist for The Universal Want can be found below:

1. Carousel
2. I Will Not Hide
3. Broken Eyes
4. For Tomorrow
5. Cathedrals Of The Mind
6. Prisoners
7. Cycle Of Hurt
8. Mother Silverlake
9. Universal Want
10. Forest House

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We’re teasing a new track ‘Forest House’ the closing track on ‘The Universal Want’ – but to hear it first, you’re gonna have to play it first! To help you, we’ve had the music translated into scores for piano, bass, rhythm and lead guitars. You can either stick religiously to these scores or use them as a template to create anything you like, using whatever instruments are at hand. If you’re a little unsure of any of the chords, a quick search of YouTube will usually bring up a bloke with a beard and jumper showing you where to put your fingers. Show us your interpretations using #dovesleak We’ll add Jimi’s vocal to our favourite interpretation. We’ll also send the winner a signed box set. Entries accepted through Sept 10th. Have fun with it https://Doves.lnk.to/ForestHouseSheetIN (the link is also in our latest story). #doves #dovesband #theuniversalwant #dovesleak

A post shared by Doves (@dovesofficial) on Aug 19, 2020 at 2:00am PDT

Doves’ favourite version will have bassist Jimi Goodwin’s vocals recorded over the top, so the stakes are high! For those who want to get involved, it’s simple: download the sheet music, which can be found at here. Interpret it however you wish (you might need to learn an instrument first!). Post on social media with the hashtag #dovesleak. As one fan in the Instagram comments puts it: “Step 1. download music. Step 2. Learn to read music. Step 3. Profit.” Alongside the chance to be recorded, Doves will send a signed box set to the winning entry.

There are no limits to creativity here; Doves’ advice is to “try and get close to what lies in store on the album or create something wildly and brilliantly off-the-mark.” First and foremost, you should have some fun with the project. Regarding this innovative way of dropping a new song, the band say, “it’s been eleven years since our last album, and we all know how hard the last few month have been, so let’s have a little fun where we can.”

For a little less effort, you can also hear ‘Prisoners’, the latest single from The Universal Want. It premiered on July 9, and you can watch the video here.

Although ‘Forest House’ remains a mystery for the time being, frontman Goodwin spoke about ‘Prisoners’ candidly with NME, saying, “‘Prisoners’ is about that yearning that Doves have always had … Just over the horizon, there’s always something better. Sometimes we get trapped by our own behaviour. You can be a prisoner of your own thoughts. They can take you to some pretty dark and unexpected places if you let them. It’s a song about checking yourself. It’s not to do with lockdown or the pandemic, it’s just the day to day wellbeing.”

‘Prisoners’ joins earlier release ‘Carousels’ as the two songs that Doves fans don’t have to learn themselves to get a taste of The Universal Want. This will be Doves’ fifth album, and it’s long-awaited; their first in eleven years. The wait is nearly over though, especially for those who can read sheet music.

Last month, Doves confirmed a 2021 UK tour to follow The Universal Want. The tour dates are listed below.

21/03/2021 – University Great Hall – Cardiff
22/03 – O2 Academy – Bournemouth
23/03 – UEA – Norwich
25/03 – Brighton Dome – Brighton
26/03 – O2 Academy Brixton – London
29/03 – O2 Academy – Bristol
30/03 – O2 Academy – Birmingham
01/04 – O2 Apollo – Manchester
02/04 – Rock City – Nottingham
03/04 – O2 Academy – Newcastle
05/04 – Eventim Olympia – Liverpool
09/04 – O2 Academy – Sheffield
10/04 – Barrowland – Glasgow

It also comes after releasing their new single in 11 years back in June which was met with warm critical reception. Earlier this month the band announced their fifth studio album ‘The Universal Want’ and scheduled it for release on September 11th. This will now be their first album in 11 years, so no pressure then.

We are looking forward to sharing with you our new album ‘The Universal Want’. Released Friday Sept 11th on EMI Records.

Released on vinyl, CD, ltd box set and exclusive signed formats available at the official Doves store.

Pre-order the album now at https://t.co/PhvTD0x7Ltpic.twitter.com/5KJVbR3MLf

— Doves (@dovesmusicblog) July 13, 2020

The Cheshire three piece, made up of two brothers Jez and Andy Williams and keyboardist Jimi Goodwin, first rose to prominence in the late nineties with their debut album ‘Lost Souls’ being nominated for the Mercury Award. Their name only grew and grew until they supported both Oasis, U2 and Coldplay in the same year. Then in 2009, they decided to call it a day and go on a hiatus which saw them all go in a different direction. 

Seeing another band get back together after an extended period out is always something that feels good. Over the past few weeks there have been quite a few doing it as well, so maybe lockdown had certain people reminiscing over old times. Hopefully another Manchester band might take a leaf out of their book and do it. A few Manchester bands actually. For now, fans can look forward to Doves reuniting for the time being.

Here are the dates that they have recently announced;
21/03 – University Great Hall- Cardiff
22/03– O2 Academy- Bournemouth
23/03 – UEA- Norwich
25/03 – Brighton Dome- Brighton
26/03 – O2 Academy Brixton- London
29/03 – O2 Academy- Bristol
30/03 – O2 Academy- Birmingham
1/04– O2 Apollo- Manchester
2/04– Rock City- Nottingham
3/04 – O2 Academy- Newcastle
5/04 – Eventim Olympia- Liverpool
9/04 – O2 Academy- Sheffield
10/04 – Barrowland- Glasgow

Along with the exciting news of an entire new album, the British rock band also announced their latest single, Prisoners. In an interview from NME with the band’s frontman, Jimi Goodwin, the truth behind the single has been revealed. The band believe that mental health should never be seen as a taboo topic and are open in expressing how they feel through the lyrics of their songs.

Goodwin says, “Prisoners is about that yearning that Doves have always had. Just over the horizon, there’s always something better. Sometimes we get trapped by our own behaviour. You can be a prisoner of your own thoughts. They can take you to some pretty dark and unexpected places if you let them.”

Check out the video for the track here:

Prisoners is set to feature on the tracklist of the upcoming album, along with another recent single, Carousels (released 18th June). The band posted the album’s artwork to Facebook along with a link for fans to pre-order the album in a range of formats, from signed CDs to vinyls and even limited edition box sets.

After a nine-year break, the band reunited in 2019 to perform a charity show at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The sold out show was in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust and proved to be a huge success for the band as they performed hits from each of their 4 albums released between 2000-2010.

Since then, Doves have been working hard on their album and haven’t allowed the current pandemic to stop them from doing what they love. Luckily enough, the album is set to be released in just a couple of months time and it’s no doubt that the countdown has begun for hardcore fans of the rock band.

To pre-order The Universal Want, head over to their official website now.