Artist: Doves Album: Kingdom of Rust

Year: 2009
Duration: 0:0-1

Diving into Doves' Kingdom of Rust: A Critical Review

Every once in a while, we come across an album that transcends time and space. An album that submerges us in a well of emotions and takes us on a journey we never thought we needed. Doves' Kingdom of Rust in 2009 was one such album. The album, released four years after their last release, was warmly accepted by critics and fans alike. With a blend of rock, electronic, and orchestral elements, the album proved to be an innovative and necessary evolution for the band. In this article, we'll dive deeper into the creative realm of Kingdom of Rust, exploring the best songs, most innovative parts, and everything in between.

Formed in 1998 in Manchester, Doves consists of twin brothers Jez & Andy Williams and Jimi Goodwin. Following the release of their debut album Lost Souls in 2000, Doves quickly garnered critical acclaim for their music that seamlessly intertwined various genres. Their second album The Last Broadcast continued with the band's success, landing on top of the UK charts. Kingdom of Rust was eagerly awaited as it promised an evolution to their well-established sound.

The album's opening song and title track, Kingdom of Rust, sets the tone for the rest of the album. Its dark and melancholy lyrics paired with the haunting guitar riff feels like an entry to a new world. Winter Hill, another standout song, personifies Doves' signature sound - uplifting, mesmeric, and deeply sentimental. Jetstream is a perfect fusion of EDM and rock elements. The song's pacing, jittery electronic beats with the instrumentals, creates a perfect sonic landscape.

One of the album's most innovative parts is the use of orchestral arrangement. Unlike their previous releases, Kingdom of Rust features several tracks with orchestral arrangements. The song 10:03 layers ethereal string section on top of sullen piano progressions to create a soundscape that's both dreamy and desolate. Birds Flew Backwards is yet another song that uses orchestral elements to create a poignant soundscape. The song's orchestral arrangement captures the feeling of rising above emotional debris.

Kingdom of Rust offers its share of criticism as well. While the album's tracklist is well-balanced, it sometimes feels like the album lacks focus. The album is a musical labyrinth, taking us through a variety of genres. While the different elements were expertly blended, it is hard to tell what the album's overall theme is.

Doves' Kingdom of Rust is an album that deserves to be hailed as a classic of the late 2000s rock band. It beautifully captures Doves' versatility as a band, showcasing the seamless fusion of different genres. Despite its eclectic nature, the album still feels cohesive, leaving us spellbound. It is an impeccable example of how we don't restrict ourselves to labels and boundaries. In a world where music is classified into genres, Kingdom of Rust is here to remind us that music is love, boundless and infinite.