British Alt Rock band Elbow released their fourth studio album, The Seldom Seen Kid, in the U.S. April 22nd on Fiction/Geffen Records. The follow up to 2005’s universally acclaimed Leaders Of The Free World, The Seldom Seen Kid debuted at #5 in the UK when it was released there in March.

In support of the new set Elbow kicked things off with a show in New York City April 26th at Webster Hall. Could this be the release that brings the band commercial success to match its critical acclaim and status among fans. Well, that depends on you, the music consumer, now doesn’t it? Elbow is definitely unique enough to deserve a listen (see links below).

If you aren’t familiar with the band, imagine a hypnotic repetition of super mellow melodies and an emphasis on lyrics. Lead singer and lyricist Guy Garvey sounds like a hybrid between Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Sting – on valium. The Seldom Seen Kid focuses on ethereal textures of sound and moods.

The lyrical core of The Seldom Seen Kid sees Garvey address key questions of life. The 11 tracks on the album cover themes of love and loss and become the central focus of an album that sees Elbow, a band universally recognized for their musical ability and innovation, stretch their sonic template further than ever before.

The album was recorded at their own facility within Salford’s Blueprint Studios and was produced by keyboardist Craig Potter.

Lead singer Guy Garvey, drummer Richard Jupp, keyboardist Potter, guitarist Mark Potter and bassist Pete Turner all met in the early '90s at college in Bury. Moving together to Manchester, Elbow was born and after releasing a string of EPs (Noisebox, Newborn and Any Day Now) the band signed with V2 Records and released their debut album Asleep In The Back in 2001. Cast Of Thousands followed in 2004 and Leaders Of The Free World in 2005.

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Below is a list of upcoming U.S. tour dates for Elbow.

April 30th    Minneapolis, MN       Fine Line Music Café
May 2nd     Denver, CO                 Bluebird Theatre
May 3rd      Salt Lake City, UT      The Depot
May 5th      Seattle, WA                  Showbox at the Market
May 6th      Vancouver, BC            St Andrew’s Wesley Church
May 8th       San Francisco, CA     Bimbo’s 365 Club
May 9th       Los Angeles, CA         Avalon

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On the Web:

http://www.theseldomseenkid.com

http://www.elbow.co.uk