It’s hard to picture Elbow’s talismanic frontman Guy Garvey as being anything other than a middle-aged man. England’s alternative poet laureate seems to have been born into his mid-thirties – the wistfulness and intellect that betrays his scruffy-everyman look would surely not suit a younger man, and it’s hard to imagine the glint in Garvey’s eye carrying well into old age. It’s perhaps fitting, then, that Elbow seem to have risen to the challenge of becoming middle-England’s favourite anthemic-rock band. Their live show (set to the backdrop of the Eden Project’s iconic biomes, as part of the charity’s annual Eden Sessions) is jawdropping, both musically and visually – a parade of lasers, smoke machines, and the sheer talent of the five boys from the North all blend together to form a live show that’s amongst the most enjoyable we’ve seen for years.
Opening with a euphoric run-through of The Take Off and Landing of Everything highlight Charge, the band launch into a well-received set of fan favourites, album highlights and more than a few memorable moments. Every detail is carefully thought through – whether it be the introduction of a huge disco ball during Mirrorball (sending shards of light across the Cornish hills) or lead vocalist Guy Garvey’s attempts at matchmaking before New York Morning, they always appear to be totally in control of the situation, and it goes without saying that they’ve got the crowd in the palms of their hands.
Despite the clear musical talents of the band, it’s Garvey that shines. Manchester’s favourite son is as charmingly charismatic as they come, and appears at ease with commanding the sold-out crowd at Cornwall’s stunning Eden Project. As a venue, Eden is sublime – the mellow atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings work beautifully with Elbow’s unique blend of anthemic choruses and relaxed instrumentation.
The bluesy stomp of Grounds For Divorce is a clear highlight, whilst penultimate number Lippy Kids lends itself to one of the biggest singalongs of the evening – its melancholic descriptions of the band’s Northern hometown are easily relatable to anyone who feels even the slightest hint of affection for their hometown, and the soaring strings (provided by a pair of excellent violinists) only add to the evening’s sense of spectacle.
Set-closer (and band calling card) One Day Like This is glorious. There’s little we can say to do it justice, really – its verses are little more than a carefully crafted build-up to one of the past decade’ most stunning choruses, and the sight of five thousand people throwing their arms to the skies in pure jubilation is genuinely unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.
Elbow tonight proved exactly why they’re one of the most revered live acts in the country with a truly spectacular set. Tonight’s show served as a real showcase for the songwriting abilities of the band – any gig that brings together a crowd to the extent when they start harmonising with themselves (during One Day Like This) is special, and a beautiful combination of lyrical wizardry, Northern Charm and the gig’s beautiful surroundings make tonight a night that nobody in attendance is ever likely to forget.
