Elbow frontman Guy Garvey / Photo by Maggie Serrano

Los Angeles' typical weekend ruckus was slightly more subdued this past Friday (May 9), as the ethereal melodies of Elbow filled Hollywood's club Avalon to the brim. The eclectic audience, made up of thirtysomething artists, lovey-dovey couples, and the occasional Hollywood actor, seemed mesmerized by Guy Garvey, the David Gray-esque frontman with a voice as soothing as honey, who charismatically commandeered the stage with confidence and tranquility whilst singing about love, heartbreak, loneliness, and social tyranny. Violins, trumpets, and angelic choruses only added a layer of artistic texture to the striking performance.

The politically-tinged "Leaders of the Free World," off the band's 2005 album of the same name, drew a strong crowd reaction, particularly when Garvey's heavy-handed guitar solo kicked in. "Mirrorball," from their latest set The Seldom Seen Kid, invoked a disco ball from the ceiling, filling the room with bright wisps of light and providing an apt leeway into the show's most poignant moment, as Garvey requested the entire venue sing "Happy Birthday" to drummer Richard Jupp's son Dylan, who was been unable to be with his father on his birthday.

And later, Garvey, smile across his face, perhaps summarized exactly what was on his mind, stating, "this is the best job in the world, I'm afraid." The crowd was thankful he held the title, hungry and wanting more from his esteemed position.

We asked: One of Elbow's most known tunes, "Grace Under Pressure," contains the anthemic lyrical maxim, "we still believe in love, so fuck you." Why do you still believe in Elbow's music?

Name: Annie Jagger
Age: 32
Hometown: Grosse Point, Michigan
Occupation: Clothing Stylist
"My boyfriend introduced me to it, he plays it all the time. Guy is an interesting lyricist, puts a different spin on things. He definitely has a vision of the brokenhearted man who goes out into the world. It's an interesting aspect of love and life which you don't hear in popular music."

Name: Mark Redfern
Age: 30s
Hometown: London
Occupation: Under the Radar magazine
"They're one of those bands that keeps making great albums, never had a slump. I've liked every one of their albums. Guy has a great voice and they have fantastic lyrics."

Name: Stephanie Thompson
Age: 34
Hometown: Nova Scotia, Canada
Occupation: Interior Designer
"Because I like how melodic and deep and artistic it is. It's very arty, very different."

Name: Laura Ferreiro
Age: 29
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Occupation: Journalist
"I think they're amazing musicians who have a lot of integrity. Their songwriting abilities are incredible and poignant. I'm a huge fan."

Elbow / Photo by Maggie Serrano

Elbow / Photo by Maggie Serrano

Elbow / Photo by Maggie Serrano