Album: The Irrepressibles, From the Circus to the Sea, (Of Naked Design)

The Irrepressibles are one of Britain's best-kept secrets, noted for their orchestral arrangements, dramatic songs, theatrical costumes and the soaring voice of Jamie McDermott.

'From the Circus...' is the score for an independent film. "Splish! Splash! Sploo!" interpolates the chorus of Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love with You" and makes it sound like Brecht; the romantic "In This Shirt" could be prime Antony and the Johnsons, and the wonderfully nebulous instrumentals are more than mere filmic filler.

Pick of the album: Chemise-en-scenè: 'In This Shirt'