Guy Garvey gives Elbow the elbow (for a bit)

It’s a risky, vulnerable move that causes fans of the band to worry about whether the group is breaking up, and leaves listeners rigidly judging the new material in comparison to the original songs they hold dear. In the case of Guy Garvey’s debut solo record, Courting the Squall, the Elbow frontman has assembled a loose but penetrating collection of songs that highlight his insightful lyrics and warm vocals, as well as a cracking band of friends (featuring I Am Kloot bassist Pete Jobson, the Whip’s Nathan Sudders on guitar, along with keyboardist Ben Christophers and drummer Alex Reeves) whom Guy refers to as his “favorite musicians outside Elbow.” But fans apparently don’t need to worry about the state of Elbow – they are doing just fine, thank you – while Garvey gives them plenty to take pleasure in with these 10 refined songs that should serve as an elegant stopgap between albums from Guy’s beloved main band.

There is a jazzy, Speakeasy feel to songs like "Angela’s Eyes", "Yesterday", and "Electricity" (augmented by guest vocals from Jolie Holland), while “Belly of the Whale” takes on a swinging, Morphine-like pulse, giving the album a distinctive vibe and spirit wholly separate – but complimentary to – Garvey’s previous output. The familiar, contemplative ballads are here as well, as the title track finds the subject pondering trees and where his life is rooted, while the muted lullabies of "Broken Bottles and Chandeliers" and "Three Bells" will surely resonate with those longtime listeners who have been moved by Garvey’s deft ability to weave his heart into his lyrics.

Courting the Squall is a collection of songs from a musician unencumbered by expectation or industry pressure, just Guy Garvey recording a bunch of tunes with his friends and seeing where his muse leads them. That free spirit gives his poignant solo material a fresh buoyancy that still sounds intimate, due to his estimable songwriting gifts and the band’s ability to not overthink these compositions and just let the musical magic happen naturally.