Hack Stats

The Telegraph – 10
Mojo – 8
Uncut – 8
The Independent – 8
NME – 8
Music OMH – 8
Q Magazine – 8
Independent On Sunday – 8
The Guardian – 8
BBC Music – 8
Drowned In Sound – 8
The Fly – 8
The Hackskeptic – 7

Average – 8.1/10

For all its media accolades and heightened public attention, 2008’s “The Seldom Seen Kid” was no more superior to any previous recording, and it seems the overwhelming praise was more a gesture of apology for being eternally overlooked than any new revelation. Having created an expansively layered pop foundation that started with “Asleep At The Wheel”, Elbow’s progression still maintains the same formula that stokes the embers of Britpop, mixed with a hint of Peter Gabriel’s spacious arrangements, all wrapped up in Guy Garvey’s gritty homespun North Western themes. Eight minute opener “The Birds” swoops and captures the listener in spectacular style as it travels from gently stripped melancholia to a stomping ascending vocal and instrumental crescendo. Sadly, everything that follows never quite matches the thrill of the opener, including lead single “Neat Little Rows”, which although perfectly acceptable, lacks the biting insistence of previous singles. Whilst the textures and arrangements are as carefully considered as ever, the songs rely heavily on Garvey’s melodies and lyrics, leaving the band input quietly anonymous at times.

“Build A Rocket Boys” is a smart continuation of Elbow’s valuable creative catalogue, with some distinguished vocal performances from Guy Garvey. Although lacking a couple of the priceless tunes from previous long players, Elbow will continue to gently gain positive acclaim for their sonic consistency.

7/10

Track By Track Rating

1 – The Birds – 9

2 – Lippy Kids – 8

3 – With Love – 7
4 – Neat Little Rows – 7

5 – Jesus Is A Rochdale Girl – 8

6 – The Night Will Always Win – 7
7 – High Ideals – 7
8 – The River – 7
9 – Open Arms – 7
10 – The Birds (reprise) – 6
11 – Dear Friends – 6