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It's fair to say since they began making music thirteen years ago, I Am Kloot have been a slow burner. Now on their seventh studio album, it was only through the release of 'Sky at Night' in 2010 that they really began to infiltrate the mainstream.
The follow-up, 'Let It All In' was released last month to a warm reception, and earlier this week they embarked on perhaps their most anticipated UK tour to date.
Even the quickest scan through the schedule proved the highlight to be two sold out homecoming shows at Manchester Ritz.
The loyal fanbase I Am Kloot have built up in their home city is demonstrated by the sheer size of venue they can now command in Manchester - and it seems the band recognise the added grandeur as they arrive on stage.
A huge orchestral soundtrack blasts out of the PA system and the band appear under the gaze of individual spotlights. For those who have followed I Am Kloot since their humble beginnings there is almost an air of Spinal Tap about it.
Within the context of a live review it no longer seems right to describe the band as a trio. The inaugural three are now backed up by a second guitarist, keys, trumpet, sax, and violin.
Frontman John Bramwell is tongue-in-cheek as he attempts to explain this setup, joking, "To be frank the music we make has become a lot more elaborate".
But it's a couple of old tracks that kick things off as 'From Your Favourite Sky' and 'Morning Rain' remind many why they fell in love with the band in the first place.
The more layered sound of 'Sky at Night' is then represented through a soaring rendition of 'Northern Skies'.
This is one of the standout tracks that translates well given the step up in venue. It has to be said that during some of the more stripped back numbers, their poignancy is slightly lost in the ether of the venue's 1,500 capacity.
The set leans reasonably heavily towards new material, but it stands up well. Bramwell's typically witty between-song chat is well received, even when he asks the crowd to hush during quieter tracks like 'Shoeless' and 'Hold Back the Night'.
It is the last two songs before the band leave the stage that really see them own the Ritz. An exceptionally uplifting performance of 'Radiation' not only fills the room but raises the roof, and following this with inevitable sing-along 'Proof' ensures I Am Kloot finish on a high.
But after a shower of applause it wouldn't be right if they didn't return for a couple more. The older material further stands the test of time during 'Twist', and recent single 'These Days Are Mine' seems to have become an instant favourite.
Despite small junctures where the evening could have been accused of lacking atmosphere, I Am Kloot put in a performance that demonstrates why they fully deserve their recent rise in stock.
