Sky at NightShepherd Moon Records ***

Mancunian oddballs I Am Kloot have had varying degrees of acclaim during their 11-year history, yet continue to pursue that big break in the realm of dark, lyrically adroit indie-folk.

Elbow's Guy Garvey and Craig Potter were recruited to oversee their fifth studio album, but it's the songs, not the production, that make the deepest impressions. Torch song To The Brinkis a standout, its strummed electric frame gently giving way to a warm zephyr of strings, Lately's bursts of bluesy gospel are pleasant antidotes to the largely dour tone, while there are suggestions of Randy Newman ( It's Just the Night) and even Badly Drawn Boy in places. I Am Kloot may well release an opus at some point, but Sky at Night, as quietly compelling as it is, is not it.

See iamkloot.com

Download tracks:Proof, To the Brink