Cue The Doves: Stabilizing Vitals

The Indie Review
By Sean Duregger
February 29, 2008

Artist: Cue The Doves
Album: Stabilizing Vitals
Label: Feeling Faint Productions

Rating:

With cheap imitations of Fall Out Boy, Saosin, As I Lay Dying and Every Time I Die (just to name a few) popping up all over Myspace and Facebook, it’s always good when something fresh comes on the scene. Minneapolis based Cue The Doves are a band who has steadily been building an enthusiastic fan base in the Twin Cities area, and with their new album Stabilizing Vitals, they’re about take a giant leap forward into the National Scene.

When describing Cue The Doves, you can’t resort to the standard comparisons we put on every new band. For example, you can’t say, “They sound like In Flames in their pre-Reroute to Remain days, mixed with a dash of Justin Timberlake and stir in Anthony Green-era Saosin.” Cue The Doves bring a fresh sound to a scene that is beginning to become extremely stale.

Once Stabilizing Vitals kicks in, you’re greeted with a wall of guitars, drums, and Ryan Vonbergen’s unique vocals. The wall of guitars are supplied by Jon Berndtson (who also supplies some angry screams), Greg Burmeister, Chris Shotliff & Nate Bond (supplying the low end with bass). Brutal and intricate drums are supplies by Jake Quam. Every member brings something unique to the table, making Stabilizing Vitals and album of immense layers, incredible atmosphere and relentless energy.

It’s great to see bands taking chances and Cue The Doves are one of the few bands leading the charge. Stabilizing Vitals is a unique, atmospheric, passionate and memorable release.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Mapping the Phantoms”

“Atlantis, The Lost”

“Destination”