Doves Have New Album On The Way, US Spring Tour In The Works

We here at HAD have been big fans of Doves ever since 2002 when they released The Last Broadcast. Let's just say we already liked the record, then saw them live (with My Morning Jacket opening, no less!) and were completely hooked. Since then, they've released a steady (albeit slow-to-market) stream of fantastic records that artfully bounce between genres, and manage to define a unique sound while at the same time remaining remarkably accessible.

Things on the Doves front have been pretty quiet since the release of 2005's Some Cities (like we said, slow-to-market), but now word has come over the wire that the band has completed recording a new record entitled Kingdom Of Rust, and we couldn't be more pleased. The record is set to drop on April 7th, and is going to be accompanied by a US tour in the late Spring (dates TBD). That's a bit of a long ways off, but have no fear: the band has made the first single, "Jetstream" available for free download at their website. We could give it to you here, but we hate sabotaging bands that are cool enough to give things away for free.

The tune is completely classic Doves, all sneering vocals and layered guitars underpinned by driving percussion. That being said, there's also something of a new element: more synths, more electronic beats, and a bit of a general departure from their more traditional rock sound. In short, we really dig the track, and we're curious to see if its new feel carries over to the entire record.

Check it out and tell us what you think!

mp3: Doves - Jetstream (Click through, band website download)