Known for his literate, Baroque rock sound, Britain's Ed Harcourt is a distinctively enigmatic presence known for his solo work and contributions to other artists' work. Arriving in the early 2000s, Harcourt gained praise for his dark-toned anthems that touched upon post-punk guitar rock, orchestral pop, and minimalist balladry. Often compared to his idol Tom Waits, the pianist/vocalist gained early respect, picking up a Mercury Prize nomination for his 2001 debut, Here Be Monsters. Albums like 2004's Strangers and 2010's Lustre showcased his atmospheric sound and helped to solidify his reputation as a cult favorite. Also an in-demand studio player and producer, he has collaborated with such varied artists as Paloma Faith, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Marianne Faithfull. At the end of the 2010s, Harcourt took yet another new direction, recording a couple of all-instrumental albums based around piano and complex orchestral arrangements.