Into the Woods (2005)

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.