Elbow — Asleep In The Back

I’m not sure whether I should embrace the mellow innocence or abhor the formulaic prog-rock attempts of Elbow’s debut album Asleep In The Back. There are many melodic peculiarities that make this album enjoyable and Guy Garvey’s voice (like Thom Yorke’s) is that of a trained vocalist.

It’s difficult to describe the sound of their music as their press release refutes any comparison to contemporary rock. And their album is promoted as "one of the most hotly-anticipated British rock records of 2001" (a title I can’t help but be wary of). I will admit that the constant shifts in sound are original, moving from chaotic tracks like "Bitten By The Tailfly" to more introspective "Any Day Now."

However, at times it seems as though they’re trying too desperately to include prog-rock ingredients (i.e. drum machine, horn section, sound effects), often interfering with the groove of the music. I’m impressed to see that Manchester is still producing inspired music, but I don’t appreciate Elbow being used as a soapbox for renewed success.