Album reviews: Eels, Elvis Costello, Yard Act

Two art-rock veterans and an angry, angular Leeds outfit are reviewed this week

Elvis Costello: his new album, The Boy Named If, is often a thrilling throwback to a time when cleverly worded, pithily delivered three-minute pop songs were the man’s speciality. Picture: Mark Selige

ROCK/POP

Eels

Extreme Witchcraft (PIAS/E Works)

Rarely allowing an idiosyncratic concept to escape his grasp, American songwriter Mark Everett continues his search for something different. There are tracks on Eels’ 14th album that match his ambitions – top-notch examples include Grandfather Clock Strikes Twelve, which fuses Prince-like funk with Everett’s awkward demeanour, and the minor key Stumbling Bee which sees him take on the guise of a fading post-summer insect. More in line with Everett’s usual emotionally drained style are Learning While I Lose and I Know You’re Right. The blend suits him, however, and augurs well for future work. ***