Constellations for the Lonely

After a long and difficult road, Doves return with ‘Constellations for the Lonely’, an album that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.

From the opening moments of ‘Renegade‘, a brooding track inspired by Blade Runner’s Roy Batty monologue, the record sets a tone of reflection, isolation, and resilience. It’s clear that the band has poured every ounce of their struggles and triumphs into this release.

One of the most striking changes this time around is the vocal shift. With Jimi Goodwin stepping back due to ongoing mental health and substance abuse recovery, brothers Jez and Andy Williams take the lead. While it’s a departure from the usual Doves sound, it works surprisingly well. Tracks like ‘Cold Dreaming‘ and ‘Last Year’s Man‘ highlight their ability to carry the emotional weight of the album while still maintaining the band’s signature atmosphere. There’s a new vulnerability here, but it never feels like a compromise, if anything, it adds another layer of depth.

Musically, ‘Constellations for the Lonely‘ sticks to what Doves do best: sweeping, cinematic soundscapes with a sense of grandeur. In ‘In The Butterfly House‘ recalls the ethereal textures of ‘In Rainbows‘-era Radiohead, while ‘Southern Bell‘ takes a more unexpected turn, channeling a bit of Queen’s bombast. It’s an album that sounds huge but remains intimate, reflecting the push and pull of loneliness and connection.

The production, handled by the band along with longtime collaborator Dan Austin, is rich and immersive. There’s a slightly claustrophobic feel throughout, which makes sense given the personal struggles that shaped it. Yet, rather than feeling weighed down, the album finds moments of light and hope, making it one of the most emotionally compelling records of their career.

Overall, ‘Constellations for the Lonely‘ is a stunning, heartfelt return for Doves. It’s a record that doesn’t shy away from pain but finds beauty in it. While different from their past work, it still carries that unmistakable Doves DNA, melancholic, atmospheric, and ultimately uplifting. Whether this marks the beginning of a new chapter or a closing statement remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a powerful reminder of what makes this band so special.

Released on 28th February you can bag a copy here: https://doves.lnk.to/ConstellationsWE