Culture

Manchester quintet Elbow have cut a unique musical path over their near two decades of output. With their characteristic fusion of orchestral stylings and progressive rock, Elbow bridges the precarious gap between the classical and the contemporary: operatic and atmospheric yet concise with unforgettable pop refrains. On this sixth release Elbow showcase their experience and musicianship, crafting a beautifully melancholic and steadily unfurling composition that flows almost effortlessly throughout.

As the title hints at, the lyrical focus of Take Off and Landing of Everything paints flying as a metaphor for both mortality and romance. That said, singer Gus Garvey seldom comes across as melodramatic, desolate or gloomy. Instead Garvey provides a matured, hopeful and wised insight into the ending of long-term love and, further, the fleeting nature of “everything.”

As an ensemble, Elbow are masterful in creating a cohesive mood through interweaving dreamy guitar and synth textures, accompanied by restrained, rolling percussion, laying an expansive and emotive foundation upon which Garvey’s wistful and pure tenor tones soar upon. Tracks “Charge,” “Real Life” and “My Sad Captains” are perfect examples of such song writing, with slow burning verses blossoming into climatic, revelatory choruses.

Arguably Take Off is not nearly as ambitious or varied stylistically as preceding releases Leaders of the Free World and Mercury Prize winning Seldom Seen Kid, yet the composure displayed is far more compelling. For a group that has charmed a devout audience over their career, I believe Take Off to be their portfolio piece, a consolidation and reiteration of all the musical territory conquered so far. In that sense, it is a perfect place for new listeners to begin, their diverse back catalogue anticipating those listeners who are willing to delve deeper.

Title track “Take Off and Landing of Everything” is the climax of the album, with Garvey’s profound and poetic lyrics, “a prayer to the take off and landing of everything good,” weighed against the hypnotic, driving rhythm section, nailing home the ideals of endurance and regeneration in light of sadness and great change.

For those with an affinity for Grizzly Bear, Radiohead or Bill Callahan, Elbow’s latest will be a thoroughly enjoyable listen. That said, an existential crisis is probably the only prerequisite.