We think something irked Doves last night at the 9:30 Club, considering their abrupt exit from stage following “There Goes the Fear.” Part of it may have started when during a slight lull early on someone in the crowd yelled “You rock more than Coldplay!” Perhaps that declaration was backhanded criticism, perhaps it was a compliment. What ever it was, it seemed that could have struck a raw nerve, and Doves, who have carved out a devoted fan base with their distinct Manchester sound, seemed to be slightly annoyed with the Washington crowd. The performance — which primarily tapped from the trio’s solid past work from Lost Souls and the Last Broadcast — was executed flawlessly (with a few minor audio issues) and the band’s expertise in the multi-layering of sound was impressive. But something was missing.

While there were certainly devoted fans (even attracting a starstruck younger girl trying to sneak in backstage through the left balcony claiming she had just had just undergone a kidney transplant and needed to see the band from back stage because of her catheter … after being denied she promptly lit a cigarette, which is probably just perfect for someone with fresh organ work), Doves failed to engage the quasi-stoic Monday night audience. And that’s a shame, because the show could have been an animated experience for everyone.

We agree with Matt of Blog Shamblogg:

My disgustingly high hopes for the show may have knocked it down a peg in my mind, but it was certainly an incredible experience, and I hope that the rest of the crowd realizes just how special a band Doves is (are?).

But we aren’t sure if the crowd did.

Photo by Kyle Gustafson