Doves - Lost Souls

Doves - Lost Souls Doves package their debut album in images of amateur boxers from inner-city Manchester, presumably to align themselves with the finest of Mancunians, Morrissey and the Smiths, who celebrated both. But the comparison is confusing, because Doves often sound more like Tindersticks or Talk Talk than a swaggering Manchester rock-pop band with a penchant for walking on the seedier side. Perhaps that's the plan: choose a low-key policy of attention-seeking with a selection of tasty (if confused) hints as to what might come when a bigger record company lays down the cash for a follow-up.

In their case, the tasty hints are a studiousness worthy of Pink Floyd (usually without the synthesisers) and a Travis-type ear for a superbly crafted song. But then come the bizarre surprises, such as a dance track Jamiroquai could have sired overlaid by a bluesy harmonica.

When they decide what they want to be, Doves will no doubt take off: the components for stardom are there, now all they have to decide on is a direction.

Stephen McCarty