Elbow: Live Review

2008-04-15 08:11:25

A band whose best known song borders on the suicidal would not have been expected to produce a sumptuous, uplifting gig during the launch tour for their third album. But Elbow, yet another successful band flying off the Manchester production line, came up with the goods in a quite stunning performance at Rock City last night.
    
The variety show that the group, led by frontman Guy Garvey, produced was enough to enthral, enrapture and enlighten those lucky enough to be a part of it. The aforementioned ‘suicide’ song, Red, propelled the band to a fair smattering of national exposure during Autumn 2001. Here, it thrilled the crowd, and powerfully toyed with people’s emotions.
    
But Elbow proved that, especially with their wide range of new songs, they offer so much more than just one type of song. Garvey, a born entertainer, lightened the tone with tales and jokes in what was a banter-fuelled environment. But sedate and beautiful new songs, such as Grounds for Divorce and Mirrorball, were joined by explosive and electrifying others, such as The Seldom Seen Kid, which is also the title of the latest album in memory of Manchester songwriting supremo Brian Glancy, and One Day Like This, where the audience were invited to join in repeating the words of the two line-chorus.
    
The popularity of the band was such that these two lines were still being sung amongst fans when Elbow began their encore, some five minutes after the song itself had died down. And how well the band deserved their recall onto stage. The performance had everything – wonder, beauty, humour and power all met to spell-binding effect. Little wonder that The Seldom Seen Kid has debuted at number 5 on this week’s album chart.
    
It’s hard to come up with any criticisms after such a flawless and professional performance. Even a ridiculously priced £3.50 for a warm can of Red Stripe felt reasonable within such an awesome event. Certainly, if the wider public finally come to understand the genius of this band, then Elbow can finally realise their unlimited potential and become a true force to be reckoned with.
    
Review: Adam Harwood
    
Images: Tara Vickers, who has more in the blog!
    

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