EW's GRADE
B+

Details Release Date: Aug 16, 2005; Lead Performance: Malcolm Middleton; Genre: Indie Rock

The opening line is a big clue — ''You're gonna break my heart, I know it'' — that Scottish singer Malcom Middleton (of mordant rockers Arab Strap) is one dour, cynical fellow with an accent thicker than porridge. This tuneful disc of U.K. mope rock — Into the Woods — isn't all suffering, however. Middleton's dark humor, silly puns (''Bear With Me''), and vibrant arrangements bring some sunlight and warmth to his lager-soaked heart.

Originally posted Aug 12, 2005 Published in issue #834-835 Aug 19, 2005 Order article reprints

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