Ten albums into their career, Elbow continues to expand genres and create new musical landscapes for fans to delight in. How does a band he's been recording for over two decades continue to push forward and move forward? Some bands can become static and stick to the same formula, knowing they can put out a couple of decent tracks to get them through. Others, like Guy Garvey and his band of brothers, like to explore new genres, get a fresh perspective and broaden their palates.
AUDIO VERTIGO It's Elbow, like you've never heard them before, but it's still unmistakably that way. His previous album, 2021. flying dream 1, was a warm and gentle album wrapped in melancholy. Written during COVID and lockdown, it was lyrically very open and revolved around loss and bewilderment. AUDIO VERTIGO, however, is a completely different animal; It's fun and vibrant with lots of sonic sounds.
What initially strikes me about the opening track, “Things I've Been Telling Myself For Years,” is that Guy Garvey's crunchy, swirling guitars and baritone voice are stronger and heavier than ever. A song about confronting perceptions, the song delves into the belief of being able to read people and grow an ego and includes the first 'C' word that Elbow ever recorded. 'I haven't paid for taxis or beers / Nor have I met a motherfucker in twenty years).'
On the single “Balu,” the band really comes to life. One of their most daring and upbeat songs in years, the horns and synths that play throughout the anthem lift the listener to great heights. The song describes a failed romance with vitality, vigor and some of the strongest songwriting in the band's catalogue. Oh, my great Balu, with my wine, I long for you. My days are now shapeless and I am a kind of sacred cow.” Garvey sings over an incredible horn section. This is Elbow's dance anthem.
Magical storytelling has always been an important part of Elbow's arsenal, and “Knife Fight” emphatically continues that trend. Based on a real-life event that Garvey witnessed in an Istanbul cafe, the song revolves around a cruel beat and creates a strange and wonderful story: “The boys left together laughing and bleeding, Oh, and the moon was full.”
Much of Elbow's work features dark undertones that shift alongside waves of gorgeous, creative melodies, and that's precisely what we find on “Lovers Leap.” With heavier horn hooks and a foreboding theme, it's quintessential Elbow in a new sheen. 'Her To Earth' circulates along with a protection statement: “We live in disturbing times, but the world has given me arms for you. Stay, my pretty girl, stay.
Although Elbow is often highlighted by Guy Garvey's warm, engaging vocals and reflections, I have to mention the incredible musicianship that revolves around said vocals. Guitarist Craig Potter's production on this album is incredible. While the quality has always been high, it has reached another level in AUDIO VERTIGO. You can hear how important and vital the sounds that vibrate through the instruments are to the world that Elbow creates. Along with Craig, his brother Mark, Pete Turner and Alex Reeves (involved in writing for the first time since joining the band) they all bend and shape their influences and talent to create the wonderful sounds we hear; They are truly talented and have perfected their craft for many years.
“Good Blood Mexico City” is possibly the closest you'll get to Elbow's first work. The chorus comes in with strong guitar tones that will bring the song to life when played live. It's a great highlight.
The album's finale, “From the River,” finds Guy Garvey writing beautifully to his son: “When you cry, feed him with the flowers you find along the way, funny, wise and kind, use those superpowers, every day.” Closes The album is wonderful. It is sincere and presents some of the most incredible and tender moments that Elbow has built their career on. This song and the compilations with it will be seen as an Elbow classic. This album is AUDIO GOLD.
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