While life in 2016 starts to resemble some sort of insane end-credits sequence for all of mankind, indie pop statesmen Elbow seem less like simple musicians and more like benevolent emissaries from the North, entreating the rest of us to rediscover our bloody humanity. Across their six albums to date, Elbow have become masters of slow-building, yarn-spinning, enveloping music; story-driven songs that, at their best, repay the listener’s patience with transcendent surprises. A new, as-yet-untitled album is slated for release in February 2017, followed by a UK tour; there are two dates available at Birmingham’s O2 Academy, but don’t bet against the tickets selling out fast. Elbow are nestling nicely into their status as national treasures, and a solid dose of their anthemic qualities might prove good for the soul.

Wed 1 Mar + Thu 2 Mar, 7pm at O2 Academy, Bristol Street, Birmingham B1 1DB £39.37 ticketweb.co.uk