Constellations for the Lonely explained

Constellations for the Lonely
Type:studio
Artist:Doves
Cover:Doves - Constellations for the Lonely.png
Recorded:2020–2024
Studio:Frank Bough Sound III, Cheshire
Label:EMI North
Producer:
Prev Title:The Universal Want
Prev Year:2020

Constellations for the Lonely is the upcoming sixth studio album by British rock band Doves. The album is set to be released by EMI North, the band's first for the label, on 14 February 2025.[1] Described by the band as a "dark" album, guitarist/singer Jez Williams said in an interview with NME, "We're living in pretty fucking horrible times, so we wanted to reflect that but give a little hope. [...] I see this as a future soul album for outsiders. We want you to feel understood."[1]

Background

Constellations for the Lonely follows over four years since the trio's comeback album The Universal Want and the cancelled proposed tour to support the album in 2020 and 2021. Singer/bassist Jimi Goodwin had been struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues, which prompted the band to cancel all remaining promotion for the album whilst Goodwin sought treatment.[1] In an interview with NME, Goodwin said that there was "a loose thread that kicked the record off," with album opener and first single "Renegade" being the first thing the band recorded together for the album. Goodwin told NME, "In our minds, it's got a Blade Runner-esque theme. It was inspired by the Roy Batty speech of how nothing lasts forever, you know, 'I've seen things you people wouldn't believe.'"[1] Jez Williams furthered, "This is quite a dark album. We started to write it after we cancelled The Universal Want tour, so some of the songs reflect that. We wanted 'Renegade' to start with this apocalyptic atmosphere. That's what felt right for us after such a difficult time. Jimi was with us, but we were trying to make sense of all the mess – and that fed into the album."[1]

The band announced a live tour in promotion of the album for February and March 2025, without Jimi Goodwin. As Goodwin stated he is not well enough to return to performing live, Doves said the shows would alternate Jez and Andy Williams singing lead vocals on the songs, and they would be augmented by longtime collaborator Martin Rebelski as well as Nathan Sudders and Jake Evans.[2] The current line-up peformed three intimate live shows in Stoke-on-Trent, Birkenhead and Hebden Bridge in preparation for the tour in November 2024.[2]

Release history

Country! scope="col"
DateLabelFormatCatalogue #Notes
Various14 February 2025EMI NorthCDEMINCD2
LPEMINV2
Marble-white-coloured LPDoves' webstore exclusive
Cassette
Orange-coloured LP EMINVY2Independent record stores exclusive

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Andrew . Trendell . Doves return with 'Renegade' and talk new album 'Constellations For The Lonely': "It felt like a bad curse was following us" . . 4 November 2024 . 6 November 2024.
  2. Web site: Andrew . Trendell . Doves announce first UK shows since 2019 — without frontman Jimi Goodwin . 8 November 2024 . 1 December 2024 . NME.