Some Cities

1	Some Cities 3:22
2	Black and White Town 4:15
3	Almost Forgot Myself 4:42
4	Snowden 4:12
5	The Storm 4:52
6	Walk in Fire 5:34
7	One of These Days 4:50
8	Someday Soon 4:08
9	Shadows of Salford 2:44
10	Sky Starts Falling 4:11
11	Ambition 4:00

Barnes & Noble

Having made waves with the restrained, almost pastoral tones of 2002's The Last Broadcast, Doves have shifted gears for this follow-up, a disc that -- as befits its title-- is cloaked in alternately drizzly and dingy tones of the urban landscape. The tension levels are palpably higher here, particularly on songs like the title track and the claustrophobic "The Storm," which is laced with reverb and unsettlingly off-center percussive elements. It's not all dark and morose, of course. On "One of These Days," for instance, the band set their sights on rock-anthem status, making good inroads thanks to an impeccably sweeping guitar line that'd do the Edge proud. That sense of scope proves a fine addition to Doves' palette, as the bolder forays set off more subtle offerings like the partially a cappella "Someday Soon." Wisps of the ether that permeated their earlier releases do waft heavenward here and there, particularly on "Almost Forgot Myself," which showcases singer Jimi Goodwin's aching falsetto. For the most part, however, Some Cities showcases a slightly less kind, less gentle Doves, one with a bit more muscle, but no less heart. David Sprague

All Music Guide

For those who adored the lush textures of Doves' second album, The Last Broadcast, the seriousness of Some Cities might be a bit jarring. The ambitious indie rock trio is much more direct and exact this time out, and it's a great shift in style. In contrast to this opus, optimism ruled on The Last Broadcast, which soared with a majestic celestial setting of bright choruses, vibrant electronic beats, and gushing guitar riffs. Some Cities percolates with more of a hopeful but grounded spirit, an English spirit. The band's native Manchester comes into view. Shades of ash and cinder surround Doves' guitar flow, but without melancholy. The album's title track captures that with vocalist/guitarist Jimi Goodwin's earnest plea, "Some cities crush/Some cities heal/Some cities laugh/While other cities steal/Can't I make you see?" Pianos and drums run parallel on "Black and White Town" and match the adrenaline and motion of "There Goes the Fear." Only two songs in, the band's soft dreamy focus turns into complex emotion, and it's beautifully done. Both the sweeping acoustic guitars of "Someday Soon" and the symphonic lament "The Storm" continue the cinematic slow burn of Some Cities, reflecting upon a cloudy countryside. Escaping the dreariness of Manchester is what fueled Doves to start a band in the first place. Some Cities isn't a Mancunian downer. It's very real and Doves' best yet. MacKenzie Wilson

Entertainment Weekly

[A] wondrously exhilarating, shimmering pop masterpiece. (A-) Timothy Gunatilaka