Elbow make a beautifully unpretentious return.

Elbow are so on the level and unpretentious they make The Beautiful South's performances look like Kiss. Elbow's music doesn't employ grandiose statements or reach for the stars, it instead remains as reflections in puddles and shadows shifting among terraced streets. Cast Of Thousands is a romantic album that, although cosy in feel, manages to infuse its intimate whole with shots of tension, adrenalised shards of guitar feedback, distorted electronics and eerie street sounds. It works like British ale: wholesomely out of step with the trend for all things cool and American. (9/10) Stuart Turnbull 15 August 03

Elbow – Cast Of Thousands, released 18 August 03 on V2.

useful link: www.elbow.co.uk