Audio Vertigo

by Elbow

Overview

After the pastoral chamber pop vibes of 2021's Flying Dream 1, Elbow's tenth record feels practically aggressive. Leaner, toothier, and more energetic than either of its two predecessors, Audio Vertigo relies on a combination of funky textures, dark grooves, and even darker wit. As with any Elbow release, subtlety is king; this is not a back-to-basics rock album, nor a wild reinvention, but an assured move within their own enigmatic wheelhouse that somehow sounds fresh. From the start, singer Guy Garvey is in top form, casually tossing out droll couplets ("here's to walking in every room like ascending for an Oscar, kissing hands and shaking babies, Blackpool rock imposter") on the mercurial opener "Things I've Been Telling Myself for Years." Throughout the focused 12-song set, Elbow touch on rousing Afropop (the horn-driven "Lovers' Leap"), soulful art-rock ("Her to the Earth"), and mathy indie rock ("Good Blood Mexico City") with aplomb and a surprising amount of pluck for a band nearly three decades into their career. Prior to the album's release, touring and session drummer Alex Reeves was inducted into full-time band membership, a move which perhaps explains some of the heightened rhythmic heft and overall punchiness. Elbow have never been short on craft, and their elegant arrangements have often carried them even when the material wasn't at its most exciting. Audio Vertigo brings it all together, distilling their many attributes into one of their most exciting albums in years. ~ Timothy Monger

Product Details

Release Date:	03/22/2024
Label:	Geffen / Polydor
UPC:	0602458340976
Rank:	41874

Tracks

1. Things I've Been Telling Myself For Years
2. Lovers' Leap
3. (Where Is It?)
4. Balu
5. Very Heaven
6. Her to the Earth
7. The Picture
8. Poker Face
9. Knife Fight
10. Embers of Day
11. Good Blood Mexico City
12. From the River

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Elbow   Primary Artist