Between Buildings, Toward the Sea Epitonic***

They showed promise with several EPs in 2008, and Autumn Owls have evolved in the ensuing four years. Luckily, the streamlining from five members to three hasn't halted their progress, although curtailing certain elements of their sound might have made a more persuasive impact on their full-length debut. Still, the trio's tendency for overlong numbers bogged down in gloom can be overlooked for the most part, largely due to absorbing songs such as the Echo and the Bunnymen-aping Spare Room. The moody indie shimmer of Byways of the Lifeless and the stoic Unconvinced will please fans of I Am Kloot, Radiohead and The National. This is an unabashedly indie album, but one that determinedly pursues a line in depth and atmosphere. autumnowls.com

Download tracks: Spare Room, Byways of the Lifeless