Vibrant And Infectious: Black Dove – ‘The Backroom’ Review

Words: Keira Knox

Scottish indie band Black Dove made a comeback in March 2024, bringing fresh material and a renewed sense of purpose to the band’s latest era. Black Dove’s second single of the year, ‘The Backroom,’ was produced and recorded by Blair Chrichton in Glasgow’s 45-Aside Recording Studio.

The five-piece Inverclyde indie rock band, which formed in 2016, is well-known for its dedicated fan base and upbeat live performances. With musicians Sean Nelis (keyboard), Josh Cunningham (vocals/guitar), Conal Harrington (lead guitar), Ross McManus (bass), and Hamish McGown (drums) in tow, Black Dove is poised to make 2024 their year and return to the Glasgow music scene with a bang. Fans are excited to hear the band’s signature sound returning after a much-needed break.

‘The Backroom’ is about being in your mid-20s, having obligations and debts, and not getting out for parties as much as you used to when you were 18 or 19. The band performed almost all weekends in the ‘Backroom’ of Greenock’s Word Up nightclub, where the DJ aired an extensive selection of Indie Rock tunes, some of which were also the band’s. ‘The Backroom’ is a positive, uplifting sing-along/dance- along track that features the band’s trademark harmonies, iconic guitar melodies, and infectious chorus hooks.

A vibrant, summertime indie hit with amazing harmonies that promise to transport you to a different realm. What truly makes this song stand out are the instrumentals, which combine infectious chords with more gentle beats and tones to create that unique summer vibe. Even if ‘The Backroom’ lyrics have a deeper, potentially melancholy meaning, the uplifting instrumentals make it easy to forget about your problems. Electrifying guitar riffs are destined to be danced to out in the festival fields this summer. It reminds me of a lot of the early Blossoms songs, which are softer and more upbeat than the more popular indie music.

Black Dove is a band that is well-known for its thrilling stage presence and catchy choruses. The band has played at iconic locations including Glasgow’s King Tuts Wah Wah Hut and has earned spots at well-known Scottish events like Party at The Palace and Youth Beatz. The group has performed alongside such notable stars as Vida, Luka La Volpe, and Neon Waltz. Driven by their remarkable live performances, Black Dove have gone on tour with major promoters such as ‘Hit The Road’ and ‘This Feeling.’ With their contagious sound, Black Dove is still gaining popularity. Black Dove has revealed that they would perform as the headline act at Glasgow’s King Tuts Wah Wah Hut on September 13, 2024, make sure to stream their latest tune before this gig, as they’re bound to blow up!