The Last Broadcast

By Josh Tyrangiel

Most Brit rock acts have become so consumed with burying their melodies that they forget to compose them. Thank you, Radiohead. Doves, a Manchester trio, is a pleasant exception, a band that actually enjoys its own tunefulness. Yes, there are echo effects, abrupt tempo changes and a few melancholy lyrics--how else would we know this is contemporary rock from England?--but songs such as There Goes the Fear, M62 Song and N.Y. reveal a sweet pop soul that is more Beatles than brooding.

--By Josh Tyrangiel