ELBOW'S rise has been more an ice cube gathering speed as opposed to the full blown avalanche. Despite releasing the near flawless 'Asleep in the Back' it's always been a case of the tortoise and the hare and yet that's seemingly apt, yet it's amazing what Glastonbury can do for a band.
Tonight they play Brixton Academy, a milestone venue for anyone and a suitable stage for their considerable ability. They aren't the criminally underrated band they once were and perhaps, whisper it; the word pressure might have entered the Elbow vocabulary. It's on nights like this that Elbow excel and prove they are superlative in the grandiose, heartfelt and sonically subtle.
Leading the crowd into a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' for his brother, Guy Garvey seems as relaxed and content as man can be before spilling his heart and soul for general deliberation. Once again his gentle stage demeanour is replaced with unnerving determination and glowing intensity as Elbow revel in sculpting both the gorgeously luxurious and the lyrically poignant.
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'Powder Blue' rings with soaring sentiment, 'Any Day Now' lurches with self healing intent whilst 'Leaders of the Free World' broods itself into oblivion. Minus the orchestral and gospel choir trimmings they prove they have a bona fide show stopper regardless. 'New Born' with an irrevocable splendour remains perfection. Whatever precedes it is forgotten and whatever follows falters in comparison.
Whilst Doves and Grandaddy have proven to be worthy adversaries, Elbow have been ready for the marathon, even if emerging as the front runners has been a long time coming. They've probably been sat in a café watching the world go by. Cue wry knowing smile and the knowledge they aren't playing catch up anymore.
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