There is something reassuring about Guy Garvey’s voice and physical presence – each is substantial and provides noticeable shelter from different kinds of storm.
It’s little surprise, then, that Garvey – still a member of Elbow – has named his debut solo thus; he has always been in the thick of things, battling the emotional elements in a shiny sou’wester, his voice and words protective and calming.
Courting the Squall sees him engage with similar topics, but the music is different (and possibly signposts Elbow’s next steps?).
Opening track Angela’s Eyes is appealing in Tom Waits’ rag’n’bone shop style; Broken Bottles and Chandeliers is as bold as it is brassy.
Other tunes such as Harder Edges configure Peter Gabriel-era Genesis in a way that is smart, valid and suitably progressive.
