The English rock band Elbow has released their newest single “The Seldom Seen Kid” off their upcoming album Flying Dream 1. The group’s forthcoming album is set to release on November 19.

Their latest single takes on a softer more sullen approach accenting Guy Garvey’s silky smooth vocals. “The Seldom Seen Kid” maintains a steady shuffling drum beat with an orchestral arrangement of sorts. The addition of guitar, piano and bass transform the tone of the piece lacing it with energy throughout. If Elbow’s new single is a sign of things to come, fans can expect a compositional masterpiece for the band’s upcoming ninth studio album.

The group’s newest single shares a title with their 2008 LP The Seldom Seen Kid. According to Stereogum, the two works are titled like this as they both are inspired by Bryan Glancy, a Mancunian musician and long-standing friend of the band.

In relation to the new single, Garvey shared his own thoughts. “Whilst we were recording, the realities of lockdown meant that I often only got to hear the music the lads had been making in their homes in Manchester late at night when the house was still,” said Garvey. “The first thing I heard was what you hear, the drums leading into a beautiful, daring, woodwind arrangement. I was expecting a piano, not a clarinet, but Craig’s creation perfectly encapsulated my mood at that point and the lyrics came out in the order you hear them.”

“It struck me that Bryan meeting my wife Rachael would have been something to witness, a joint charm offensive of grand proportions as both are proud and brilliant and a little bit naughty,” said Garvey. “In my mind at that point, there was no better thing than watching my best friend dance with the woman I love.”

In May of last year, Elbow shared an isolation performance of their track “Lippy Kids.” Revisit mxdwn’s coverage of their 2019 album Giants of All Sizes.

Photo Credit: Pamela Lin