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Arriving three years after 2014's The Take Off and Landing of Everything -- a span of time that also saw leader Guy Garvey taking a busman's holiday in 2015 with Courting the Squall -- Little Fictions showcases a different but eminently recognizable Elbow. Seven albums into their career, the band remains a deliberate, contemplative group -- such somberness is a part of their DNA -- but Little Fictions feels optimistic, particularly when it's compared to the elegiac The Take Off and Landing of Everything. Where that album dwelled on the idea of loss, Little Fictions is its counterbalance, a record about new beginnings. This change is evident within Garvey's lyrics, which are filled with romantic images and hope, but the impressive thing about Little Fictions is how there is a shift within the group's music. That music is evident from the very sound of the record: it's lighter on the surface yet complex at its foundation, giving the illusion of a constantly moving, silvery shimmer. Elbow emphasize electronic rhythms, sometimes even conjuring a semblance of a groove, yet they still find space for chiming guitars, such as in "All Disco," which sounds like R.E.M. doing their best Velvet Underground impression. Such ringing six-strings provide a connection to Elbow's indie beginnings, but the added electronic flair and percolating rhythms are an enhancement to the band's essential character, not a departure. By moving forward steadily, encompassing a changing present -- both in musical and personal terms -- Elbow wind up with a mature, resonant record. Little Fictions feels quietly hopeful, making it a tonic for troubled times.
© Stephen Thomas Erlewine /TiVo
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Craig Potter, Producer, Mixer, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Mark Potter, String Arranger, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Pete Turner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Elbow, MainArtist - Guy Garvey, String Arranger, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Nick Ingman, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Tim Young, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Lyn Fletcher, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Sarah Ewins, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Martin Schäfer, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Danny Evans, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Emerson, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Paulette Bayley, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Alex Reeves, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - David Petri, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Julia Hanson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Hannah Smith, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Victor Hayes, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tiberiu Buta, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Nicola Clark, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - John Gralak, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Philippa Heys, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Caroline Abbott, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - John Purton, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Julian Mottram, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Rob Criswell, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Nicholas Trygstad, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jane Hallett, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Clare Rowe, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Dan Storer, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Bea Schirmer, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2016 Polydor Ltd. (UK)
Craig Potter, Producer, Mixer, Keyboards, Drum Programming, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Mark Potter, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Pete Turner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Elbow, MainArtist - Guy Garvey, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Tim Young, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Danny Evans, Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2017 Polydor Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Craig Potter, Producer, Mixer, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Mark Potter, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Pete Turner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Elbow, MainArtist - Guy Garvey, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Tim Young, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Danny Evans, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alex Reeves, Drums, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2017 Polydor Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Craig Potter, Producer, Mixer, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Mark Potter, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Pete Turner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Elbow, MainArtist - Guy Garvey, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Tim Young, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Marit Røkeberg, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Danny Evans, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Kate Westall, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Alex Reeves, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Sian O'Gorman, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2017 Polydor Ltd. (UK)
Craig Potter, Producer, Mixer, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Mark Potter, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Pete Turner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Elbow, MainArtist - Guy Garvey, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Tim Young, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Marit Røkeberg, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Danny Evans, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Kate Westall, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Alex Reeves, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Sian O'Gorman, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2017 Polydor Ltd. (UK)
Craig Potter, Producer, Mixer, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Mark Potter, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Pete Turner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Elbow, MainArtist - Guy Garvey, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Tim Young, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Marit Røkeberg, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Danny Evans, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Kate Westall, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Alex Reeves, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Sian O'Gorman, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2017 Polydor Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Craig Potter, Producer, Mixer, Keyboards, Drum Programming, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Mark Potter, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Pete Turner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Elbow, MainArtist - Guy Garvey, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Tim Young, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Danny Evans, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Sam Rosen, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Jennifer O'Neill, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Alan Sykes, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Angela Cotton, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Catherine Kay, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Charles McDermott, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Christine Jeynes, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - David Weatherall, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Deborah Foulkes, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Edgar Reyes, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Gail Meacham, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Gerald Cotterill, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Gwen Pugh, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Jack Haves, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Jim Battle, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Joanne Holt, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Joanne Zellweger, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Josephine Smith, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Judy Sykes, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Laura Roberts, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Linda Heslop, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Lindsay Hunter, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Lise Henderson, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Louise Hamilton, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Matthew Roughley, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Michelle McCumesky, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Carroll-Fogg, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Rebecca Horn, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Stephanie Burke, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Sue Dunn, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Valerie Bell, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - William Watremez, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Stuart Overington, Vocal Arranger, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2017 Polydor Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Craig Potter, Producer, Mixer, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Mark Potter, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Pete Turner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Elbow, MainArtist - Guy Garvey, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Tim Young, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Danny Evans, Engineer, StudioPersonnel
℗ 2017 Polydor Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Craig Potter, Producer, Mixer, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Mark Potter, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Pete Turner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Elbow, MainArtist - Guy Garvey, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Tim Young, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Danny Evans, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Alex Reeves, Drums, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2017 Polydor Ltd. (UK)
Craig Potter, Producer, Mixer, Keyboards, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel, ComposerLyricist - Mark Potter, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Pete Turner, Bass Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Elbow, MainArtist - Guy Garvey, String Arranger, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer, ComposerLyricist - Nick Ingman, String Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Tim Young, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Lyn Fletcher, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Sarah Ewins, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Martin Schäfer, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Danny Evans, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Emerson, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Paulette Bayley, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Alex Reeves, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - David Petri, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Julia Hanson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Hannah Smith, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Victor Hayes, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tiberiu Buta, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Nicola Clark, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - John Gralak, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Philippa Heys, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Caroline Abbott, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - John Purton, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Julian Mottram, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Rob Criswell, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Nicholas Trygstad, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jane Hallett, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Clare Rowe, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Dan Storer, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Bea Schirmer, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2017 Polydor Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited
Album review
Arriving three years after 2014's The Take Off and Landing of Everything -- a span of time that also saw leader Guy Garvey taking a busman's holiday in 2015 with Courting the Squall -- Little Fictions showcases a different but eminently recognizable Elbow. Seven albums into their career, the band remains a deliberate, contemplative group -- such somberness is a part of their DNA -- but Little Fictions feels optimistic, particularly when it's compared to the elegiac The Take Off and Landing of Everything. Where that album dwelled on the idea of loss, Little Fictions is its counterbalance, a record about new beginnings. This change is evident within Garvey's lyrics, which are filled with romantic images and hope, but the impressive thing about Little Fictions is how there is a shift within the group's music. That music is evident from the very sound of the record: it's lighter on the surface yet complex at its foundation, giving the illusion of a constantly moving, silvery shimmer. Elbow emphasize electronic rhythms, sometimes even conjuring a semblance of a groove, yet they still find space for chiming guitars, such as in "All Disco," which sounds like R.E.M. doing their best Velvet Underground impression. Such ringing six-strings provide a connection to Elbow's indie beginnings, but the added electronic flair and percolating rhythms are an enhancement to the band's essential character, not a departure. By moving forward steadily, encompassing a changing present -- both in musical and personal terms -- Elbow wind up with a mature, resonant record. Little Fictions feels quietly hopeful, making it a tonic for troubled times.
© Stephen Thomas Erlewine /TiVo
About the album
- 1 disc(s) - 10 track(s)
- Total length: 00:48:29
- Main artists: Elbow
- Composer: Various Composers
- Label: Polydor Records
- Genre: Pop/Rock Rock Alternative & Indie
© 2017 Polydor Ltd. (UK) ℗ 2017 Polydor Ltd. (UK)
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