The press, in the early 90s, used many conflicting, if creative, words to describe One Dove's music. The Scottish band's 1993 debut album, produced by DJ and musician Andrew Weatherall, thrilled many, disappointed some and confused others. Plan X magazine, an American publication that catered to ravers (which included notorious party monster Michael Allig on its staff), put the band's lead singer Dot Allison on the cover in a scuba suit and declared them to be making “some of the most emotionally charged electronic music since then the techno-revolution began”. The New York Times they called their album “a juxtaposition of terrible, boring electronics, sad borderline dance music and quiet pop songs”. The NME, although cheerful, was not convinced. They appreciated that while the band had a “vision to blow up the mainstream pop sky with hard hitting beats and sunny clubland vibes”, ultimately Morning Dove White was “likely to lull you into a light coma.”
Was One Dove here to humanize the mechanical acid house sound that was taking over the clubs at the time? Or were their dreamy guitar solos meant to help sustain the future in the suddenly muted sound of British rock? Was singer Dot Allison a star or a snooze? Did they all listen to the same band? On that last point, based on the extensive number of remixes released, as well as early album leaks with alternate mixes, it's possible, no, they weren't.
Regardless, 31 years since their only LP Morning Dove White released, not too many people have heard either version of the album. It's been out of print for almost 25 years and, until recently, not on streaming services. To add insult to injury, the version available on streaming services now mistakenly repeats track six, “My Friend,” as track seven, “Transient Truth.” “Listen now,” Allison sings on this song, which if you don't have a physical copy you should head over to YouTube to hear, “If you take my words as promises, then you can keep them.” At least not they ever felt they owed anything to anyone.
Admittedly, some of the hype surrounding the album isn't even of their making: The band had persuaded Weatherall – known for his sledgehammering of genre barriers – to make his debut. This was right after he collaborated with Primal Scream on their breakthrough album, screamadelica, which was released to great acclaim upon its recording Morning Dove White. This album's massive swell, pioneering combination of ecstatic rock guitar and intense house music on drums, became Weatherall's signature sound. It would bring some of that into a more subdued form Morning Dove White. This is undeniable. Whether it also brought unmet expectations is up for debate.
