Elbow hasn't really been innovative at all on the last few albums. The only kind of change was forced when drummer Richard Jupp left the band and they decided not to look for a new drummer, but to continue working with drum computers. That Elbow is on the previous album (2017) previously seemed to focus on perfecting their sound instead of just experimenting with it, is a thing of the past on Giants
… Of All Sizes. There is more room for synthesizers. The great-sounding opening track immediately impresses, with light prog influences and a climax that gives you goosebumps. The raw and bombastic rock in White Noise White Heat will also take some getting used to for fans from the very beginning. By adding playful elements elsewhere, such as a sliding lap steel in Seven Veils, you can hear how Elbow tries to break free from their established sound. Yet it is also a pure Elbow album, on which the band takes the time to build songs and does this in a traditional way. (JvQ)more
