Elbow - Leaders Of The Free World (CD 2005)

With song titles such as Picky Bugger and Station Approach, Elbow could only ever be Northern. Unlike soft Southerners, this Mancunian band don't blow with the prevailing musical wind - Elbow are very much their own men, still purveying the epic brand of English alternative rock that bubbled insidiously to the surface on debut Asleep In The Back in 2001.

They have demonstrated a consistent excellence ever since, with 2003's Cast Of Thousands consolidating their position as outsiders with talent, poise and attitude. Their sound is solid, distinctive and unlike anything else out there at present. Unlike their British rock contemparies, they are much greater than the sum of their influences.

Leaders Of The Free World will be well received by present fans and also act as a smooth introduction to newcomers. From the opening track (the aforementioned Station Approach), it is clear that their mojo is very much alive and well. Tingling guitars, vertiginous drums and Garvey's distinctively deep and mournful vocals are all present and correct, setting the tone for the following songs. First single Forget Myself is upbeat and catchy, a thinking man's rock song, whilst the title track displays a previously unseen political side to the band ("Passing the gun from Father to feckless son").

All in all, this is a refreshing and rewarding album full of life and musical expression. The future's bright up North, I tell thee.