Doves unveil, 'Lean Into The Wind', the previously unreleased lead track from their upcoming limited edition Record Store Day 2025 vinyl release.
Accompanied by a second song, ‘Cally’, the strictly-limited AA-side 10” red vinyl puts two Jimi Goodwin-fronted songs to the fore, with the lead track’s advance, digital release seeing the band confront dark forces that easily tempt the lonely and lost. Both tracks come from the secret vault of the studio sessions that bore the fruits of their recent UK Official Album Chart Top 5 album, Constellations For The Lonely.
Maintaining an unhurried, organic approach to writing, ‘Lean Into The Wind’’s origins lie in guitarist and vocalist Jez Williams working through the initial musical inspiration before the ‘Doves filter’ came into play and Jimi Goodwin and drummer and vocalist, Andy Williams found themselves under the skin of the song and contributing lyrics.
Listen to ‘Lean Into The Wind’ on the Manchester City Official playlist.
Whilst still absent from the band’s touring line-up, Goodwin’s prominence at the head and heart of ‘Lean Into The Wind’, a song made richer by the enduring collaborative spirit shared between the singer and bandmates, Andy and Jez Williams, ensures his distinctive voice is heard. Managing his well-publicised personal health challenges at the same time as writing and recording, the song comes laden with caution and compassion.
“It’s all there in the lyrics, it’s about addiction,” says Goodwin. “It’s drawn from a situation I was in at the time and, although I am inspired more by making songs about characters, this literally happened to me. Going to someone’s house, trying something and it consuming you within days. I am not ashamed of it; it’s a story of what can happen and it’s not uncommon. It happens to people every day, hopefully it’s a cautionary tale.”
Completing a celebratory and sold-out UK Tour last month, reuniting with fans in some corners of the country for the first time in over 15 years, the release of even more new music from Doves keeps up momentum during the band’s busiest period since returning from hiatus seven years ago.
Heading into festival season with landmark, outdoor appearances on the horizon, including a headline show at Halifax’s Piece Hall on August 23, the band’s expanded songbook is set to find added poignancy and power beneath starlit summer skies.
