Audio Vertigo

Audio Vertigo, the tenth studio album by Elbow, represents a significant sonic shift for the Bury-formed quintet. Recorded at their own Migration Studios and various locations, the album consciously moves away from the 'big, slow, and sad' template that characterized much of their post-Seldom Seen Kid output. Instead, the band leans into what Garvey described as 'gnarly, seedy' grooves, drawing influence from post-punk, funk, and even early hip-hop rhythms. The record is dominated by the interplay between Pete Turner's distorted bass and Richard Jupp's replacement, Alex Reeves, whose drumming provides a more aggressive backbone than previous efforts. Critical reception was overwhelmingly positive, with AllMusic and others praising the band's renewed vigor and the successful integration of more abrasive textures. It stands as one of their most experimental and high-energy releases, proving their ability to evolve decades into their career.