Doves announce comeback after 2021 live shows axed

Manchester band Doves have announced a comeback album after spending the last three years out of the spotlight.

The indie rock band, formed in 1998, took a hiatus in 2010 before reuniting in 2018 and releasing an album two years later, their first in 11 years.

But the band cancelled their live shows in 2021, due to frontman Jimi Goodwin's ongoing challenges with mental health.

The band has now announced plans to release a new album, entitled Constellations For The Lonely, which is due to be released in February 2025.

Doves teased the announcement on X, and fans have been reacting with excitement to teaser posters which appeared across the band's home city of Manchester over the weekend.

One fan posted: "Suddenly life gets that little better when Doves announce that they are making a comeback."

Another added: "Xmas has come early this year".

Much of the album was recorded remotely, a decision frontman Jimi Goodwin said was a "godsend" when asked about new necessities to cope with a process of personal recovery and coming to the table to record.

“It really suited the dynamic," he added.

Doves is made up of lead vocalist and bassist Goodwin and twin brothers, drummer and vocalist Andy Williams and guitarist and vocalist, Jez Williams.

The three met in high school while playing in various local bands.

In a statement when the band quit their shows in 2021, they said: "We have to take each other's welfare as seriously as the music."