This is the sound of the Midlands at its most desolate and dreary–but that's a good thing. Somewhere between Joy Division's Ian Curtis and The National's Matt Berninger sit frontman Tom Smith's haunting, brooding vocals, which cover an impressive number of octaves while capturing love's most poignant and triumphant moments. The band's post-punk backing, built from propulsive bass lines and moody piano and guitar, is a fine match for Smith's gloomy presence. Since the band's 2005 debut, The Back Room, their sound has grown bigger and bolder, rivaling the scope of headliners like U2 and Coldplay.