In light of how well The Seldom Seen Kid has been doing since it's release, in sales and awards, it's seems a shame that their truly finest moment has almost been forgotten. Which is the reason behind this review now.
Cast Of Thousands stands out as a brilliantly well crafted record, blending rock, haunting strings, and melodies that will make even the hardest of listeners feel somewhat sensitive. With subtle changes of pace throughout, one moment you will be uplifted, the next it will leave you emotionally drained.
It's hard to pick any stand out tracks, but the opener Ribcage gets things off to a very fine start with it's downbeat edge, slow thumping drums, deep bass and all held together with moments of screeching guitars. And things just get better and better. Personal favourites are Fugitive Motel, Not A Job, and the eerie but beautiful Switching Off (I promise it will make your hair stand!!!)
Cast Of Thousands is in fact quite different from their most recent albums. It's less pop, no anthems, and without any real obvious single(s), but is by far their most stunning record to date.
Elbow have never sounded this good, music has rarely sounded this good - in all theirs, and one of musics hidden gems.