Augie March: Moo, You Bloody Choir

Judging by Moo, You Bloody Choir, the third LP from Australian quintet Augie March, there's still some juice left in the concept of overseas rock bands writing and performing resonant songs rich in ache and atmosphere. True, singer-songwriter Glenn Richards sometimes lets his theatrical moan and echoing midtempo balladry disappear down the same mushy hole that's swallowed Coldplay and Keane. But mostly, Augie March takes a sophisticated approach to "big music," reminiscent of Elbow and The Frames. The cloak of art dresses up songs like "The Cold Acre," where Richards' airy ennui coasts along the back of quietly driving percussion and rippling piano, creating that feeling of desperate urgency that's always made this genre work.