More about: Elbow

Now in their third decade as a band and 20 years on from their debut Asleep In The Back, Elbow return with their latest record Flying Dream 1.  The record sees the group steer away from the louder sound of previous record Giants Of All Sizes in favour of a more jazz and orchestral-feeling record. The record was recorded during lockdown and in part recorded at Brighton Theatre Royal. 

The opening title track is a gorgeous reflection on singer Guy Garvey’s childhood, isolating his vocals with some spellbinding piano in the background. The denouement of the track really is some of the most beautiful music the group has put out. The jazz influence is further felt on 'After The Eclipse' which bridges the usual Elbow sound with some strings and woodwind arrangement, showing the two can co-exist harmoniously and are quite the marriage. This again acts as a wonderful showcase for Garvey’s vocals and a far cry from some of the grungier moments the group has produced in the past. 

'Is It a Bird' is a slight change in tempo opening with a slow drum fill, building the track around drums and Garvey with slight hints of piano and guitar in the background. 'Six Words' is a lovely ballad that starts stripped back but builds and adds layers with added instrumentation and backing vocals: it's a love song up there with some of the finest the group have recorded. 

'Come On, Blue' is a stunning triumph, an acoustic-led track that really marries Garvey’s vocals with the acoustic guitar and is heartfelt love letter to the power of love. 'The Only Road' retains the guitar sound allowing this stretch of the record to feel less jazz-infused than the rest although none the less beautiful. 

'The Seldom Seen Kid'—which was of course the title of the group’s Mercury Prize winner from 2008—is an absolute delight, reflecting on what would have happened if the group’s friend, the late Bryan Glancy, had met Guy Garvey's wife Rachael Sterling. It’s a loving ode to a figure who is clearly still close to the group's heart. 

If this record doesn’t quite capture the rapturous response of albums like The Seldom Seen Kid or Take Off And Landing Of Everything, it is a clear sign the group are not content to rest on their laurels and are constantly looking to trying something new. It acts very well to offset some of the more bombastic moments from the group’s previous records and while it may prove tough to tour the record, it is a beautiful and refined work showcasing the group at the top of their game and a clear advert for their musicianship. 

Flying Dream 1 arrives 19 November.

More about: Elbow