After years of struggling for recognition, Elbow finally saw daylight when Asleep In The Back was released overseas last year and in the States early this year. Critics designated them 2001's Doves, which is a notable understatement. Elbow is "Prog-rock without the solos," claims the five-piece band themselves. I couldn't agree more. The influences on this album go way back, with a generous tip of the hat to early Genesis--in fact Guy GarveyÕs vocals greatly resemble Peter Gabriel and even more so Gabriel-torch-bearer Rob Dickenson of Catherine Wheel. This isn't music that is as Poppy and accessible as the band's they're commonly compared to--particularly Coldplay. However, Elbow packs a much more haunting, emotional punch--which is in great part due to Guy Garvey's bi-polar vocals that carom between the ethereal melancholy and hair-raising angst-charged, passion. The comparison to the Doves is apt as far as their overall sound, but there are more layers to Elbow's music. More to learn every time you set it to spin. A Sleep In The Back is an album with a fearless, innovative spirit in the tradition of Jeff Buckley's Grace.