In early April I lauded the title track to the new Doves LP as “edgier, roomier, trading in pitch-perfect for a touch of grit,” but as to the release in its entirety I concluded, “It’s their best record yet, but we still need better.”
In the months that have followed — and at least in the case of “Kingdom of Rust” — I have realized that I underspoke. The track is simply remarkable: a short rocket flight to the atmosphere, a lesson in guitar virtuosity, a spaghetti western crescendo, a cathartic pastel.
Umm, Fred? “Cathartic pastel?”
Absolutely. In the words of our (possibly synesthesiac?) daughter, “This song looks beautiful.” So let’s give it another look, shall we?
