The Last Broadcast

Reviewed by:
David Peisner

Once Radiohead indicated they had no interest in being Radiohead anymore, applications were taken to fill their position. “Wanted: One band, preferably British, to write soaring rock epics. Dour worldview a must. Please bring guitars. Ex-Spacehog members need not apply.” With their debut, Lost Souls, Doves were lumped among those who answered the call, but their second offering is a bold, dynamic record that breaks from the pack. “There Goes The Fear” distills the band’s influences—New Order, the Happy Mondays, Pink Floyd, the Beatles—into a towering rock spectacle that at seven minutes actually feels like it’s over too soon. Elsewhere, lush, orchestral arrangements, shimmering guitar melodies, and frenetic acid-house beats spill from every corner of the album, as Doves display something few mopey, second-string Radiohoods can boast: genuine soul.