Albums: Constellations For The Lonely

Released last 28 February 2025 "Constellations For The Lonely" is the sixth studio album by British band Doves, described by the band as a "dark" album, guitarist/singer Jez Williams said in an interview with NME, and according to medias it's an impeccable production and propulsive moments led by Jimi Goodwin brighten the Manchester trio’s somewhat lethargic latest 

 

The album was released following a troubled period in the band's history, as singer/bassist Jimi Goodwin sought treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues following the release of previous album The Universal Want; this resulted in his being sidelined from touring for Constellations and then prompted the band to cancel all remaining promotion for the album whilst Goodwin sought treatment.

 

The album opener and first single "Renegade" being the first thing the band recorded together for the album, it's got a Blade Runner-esque theme. It was inspired by the Roy Batty speech of how nothing lasts forever, you know, 'I've seen things you people wouldn't believe.' Jez Williams furthered, "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 'Renegade' 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."

 

Indeed Renegade and Saint Teresa are the most typically Doves moments on the album, impeccably constructed but a bit gloomy.  The album features vocals from all three members throughout, with the Williams brothers leading second single "Cold Dreaming". "Cold Dreaming" and "Last Year's Man" feature drummer Andy Williams singing lead vocals for the first time since "Shadows of Salford" from Some Cities, actually "Last Year's Man is one of the highlights of the record an definitely should be a single at least for me, a reflection from Andy's growing children, another good one is "Strange Weather" which travels quite a distance, starting as a detached ballad before a synth line appears from nowhere as wobbly, compressed drums crash in, turning things cinematic and nightmarish, with echoes of 70s prog. "A Drop In The Ocean" pays a timely homage to The Cure with its spiky bassline.

 

The album has received a critical praise so far, stating Constellations, with its songs of disconnection and reconnection in a volatile world, is an emotionally powerful listen that packs an authentic punch matched by its widescreen sonic beauty. Despite many obstacles thrown in their path, Doves seem to never fail to impress when they return and this album is no exception.

 

Constellations For The Lonely 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 Schenes

8. Saint Teresa

9. Orlando

10. Southern Bell