Though the week before Christmas isn’t a usual time for announcements, Elbow have given their fans a huge gift. The UK outfit have announced that their fifth studio album, Build A Rocket Boys!, will drop in the UK on March 7th, 2011 through Fiction Records/Polydor. A U.S. release date is still forthcoming.
For the effort, Elbow chose to stick to the winning formula that helped shape 2008’s critically-acclaimed The Seldom Seen Kid. Build A Rocket Boys! was recorded at it at Salford’s Blueprint Studios and keyboard player Craig Potter filled once again served as produce. The album also features an appearance from Manchester’s Halle Youth Choir, who joined the band for a 2009 concert at the city’s Bridgewater Hall.
In support of the release, Elbow have already mapped out a dozen UK tour dates for next spring. Expect the music to compliment the size of the venue. “It’s impossible not to consider where you’re going to play your music live when you write it,” Guy Garvey told BBC 6 Music. “We very arrogantly assumed we were going to be playing arenas very early on.”
Not only will there be new music within a few months, but the group also promised a surprise on Boxing Day (Dec. 26th). Could the LP’s first single be on the way? We’ll find out on Sunday.
Build A Rocket Boys! Tracklist:
01. Lippy Kids
02. The Birds
03. With Love
04. Neat Little Rows
05. Jesus Is A Rochdale Girl
06. The Night Will Always Win
07. High Ideals
08. The River
09. Open Arms
10. The Birds (Reprise)
11. Dear Friends
Elbow 2011 Tour Dates:
03/15 – Glasgow, UK @ SECC
03/16 – Newcastle, UK @ Metro Radio Arena
03/17 – Nottingham, UK @ Trent FM Arena
03/19 – Sheffield, UK @ Motorpoint Arena
03/20 – Liverpool, UK @ Echo Arena
03/22 – Birmingham, UK @ National Indoor Arena
03/23 – Cardiff, UK @ International Arena
03/25 – Manchester, UK @ MEN Arena
03/27 – Brighton, UK @ Centre
03/28 – London, UK @ The O2
03/29 – London, UK @ The O2
03/31 – Dublin, IE @ O2 Arena
06/17 – Scheessel, DE @ Hurricane Festival
06/18 – Neuhausen, DE @ Southside Festival
